Shaun Pollock Reveals ICC's Discussion On Easing Wide-Ball Rules For Bowlers
Former South African skipper and legendary all-rounder Shaun Pollock has revealed that the ICC Cricket Committee is considering relaxing the wide-ball rules for bowlers. At present, the rules of wide ball are considered to be very strict for bowlers, especially when batsmen change positions at their crease at the last moment.
In ODI and T20 cricket, it has become common that batsmen move on the crease to spoil the line and length of the bowler. For this reason, the ball is called wide. Pollock said,
"The ICC Cricket Committee is discussing that bowlers should be given a little more space in the wide rule. It becomes very difficult for the bowler to move the batsman at the last moment.”
He also said that the bowler should know during the run-up where he will be bowling. But when the batsman suddenly changes his place, the ball is declared wide, causing damage to the bowler.
Pollock said,
"It is not possible for the bowler to change his strategy at the last moment. During the run-up, he comes up thinking in advance about where to throw the ball. In such a situation, the movement of the batsman completely spoils his plan. That's why the rules need to be changed.”
Pollock also suggested that if the batsman moves at the crease and the bowler bowls the ball accordingly, it should not be called a wide. This will give the bowlers a slight advantage and maintain the balance of the game.
BIG ADVANTAGE FOR THE BOWLERS
If the ICC changes the rules of the wide, then the bowlers will get the biggest benefit. Especially in formats like T20, where batsmen often dominate the bowlers.
The ICC Cricket Committee may soon take a final decision on this issue. If this rule is implemented, it will be a big relief for the bowlers.