New ODI rules will make the game competitive: ICC CEO

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) With India struggling to cope with the new changes in rules for One-Day Internationals (ODI), International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive officer (CEO) Dave Richardson Sunday said it would take at least a year for the teams to get accustomed to the changes.

India has failed to utilise the two bouncers per over rule in the ongoing series against Pakistan, who have taken the rule change like fish to water.

“It is far too early to pass judgement whether it will be successful or not,” Richardson told reporters here at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

Other changes made to the 50-over format have been the use of two brand-new balls, one for each end and the use of only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

“The purpose of it is to make cricket more attacking, both from batting and bowling point of view. There is opportunity for batsmen but there is also opportunity for bowlers to take wickets because a batsman can’t just milk the bowling for ones and twos,” said the former South African wicketkeeper.

Richardson said the ICC would once again review the new set of rules after a year’s period.

“For me, we will have to have full year’s cricket, have all the stats and see whether it contributed to more attacking cricket, which is more runs per over and more wickets per over, and take it from there,” he said.

Asked if India should now tour Pakistan, Richardson said it was up to the two countries to talk it out.

“Fortunately, we always have the ICC events where they can play each other. Apart from the bilateral events, it’s up to the two countries to determine when they want to play. The two countries are talking to each other on a continuous basis and hopefully they can work something out,” he said.

“Obviously, we would encourage that more cricket is played between India and Pakistan without over-killing it. It’s certainly a very iconic series.”

Richardson also reiterated ICC’s stand on the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) saying that no country would be forced into using the technology.

India have continuously refused the use of the technology saying the system is not foolproof.

“There are a number of teams and players who want to have DRS on a more consistent basis. At this stage, the majority of member countries agree with the ICC policy. Our thinking is to work and improve the technology, accuracy and reliability and the ball-tracking. So when it is used, it works well.

“I think in the long run, it’s good for the game. To avoid umpiring controversies, our goal is to make sure that if it is used, it should be used well. The policy is don’t force it on the member nations,” he said.

IANS 2013-01-06 17:42:03