There are quite a few steps taken by ICC for the game of cricket and i feel they are very positive and in the right direction… definitely not all of them… So will like to know your comments about them.
Lets take a look at them one by one.
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20 over restriction with 10 over in the start and 2 five overs in any slot..
I really feel that this will make the game very interesting.. although 20 overs with field restriction in 50 over match will certainly increase the target score by around 20 - 50.. but it will increase the excitement factor in the game too. Every team will like to go with atleast 1 slogger in the squad. and bowlers will need to be more accurate and may be bring new kind of deliveries. I initially will like it to have 5 overs in the start of the innings plus two 5 overs group anywhere in the inning just to keep the total number of the restricted overs to 15. -
12th Man.
i think instead of allowing to change 1 player in the game they should allow 12 man teams. It will be more useful with the 20 over restriction rule. Firstly it will allow teams to go either with 1 extra bowler which many team will like to have because 20 over restrictions is just too much or go with 1 extra slogger to make full use of the 20 over restrictions. -
Allowing 6 nation as associate status.
I think this is the best news of the all. Finally allowing associate nations to have full one day games. and inducting 6 teams simulataneously into it will allow more competition for them to have. I mean now there are two groups of 8 teams. One class A teams and one class B teams. So these class B teams can have their own matches around the year which will give them more exposure to the game and will allow them to improve their standards and hopefully they will become better teams in less time due to this. Above all they will get more support and finances from the cricket body to upgrade their facilities and infrastructure. -
New Format for Champions Trophy (8 teams).
I think they have finally managed to understand the meaning of Champions trophy. Just like Hockey they have made it between 8 top teams… and extremely good decision.
My biggest wish is to see more and more competitive cricket playing nations on the internation scence. and i think these moves especially the 3rd will help the new teams tremendously.