Gautam Gambhir calls on ICC to scrap ‘unfair’ rule in ODI format

Former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has termed the two new-ball rule in ODIs as ‘unfair’ and accused it of altering the dynamics of the game. Gambhir also called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to eliminate the rule, asserting it is detrimental to finger-spinners.

The rule was adopted in October 2011 to help the ball retain its shine and minimize reverse swing. The rule has led to fewer opportunities for finger-spinners to effectively impact matches.

“I don’t know what the spirit of cricket is because everyone plays with the right spirit of the game. If there are rules, anyway, there is the spirit of the game. But one thing that I would definitely want to change is to get rid of two new balls. Especially in white-ball cricket because it is very, very unfair on a finger spinner,” Gambhir was quoted as saying by ANI.

He urged the ICC to amend the rule to allow all players an equal chance to showcase their talents, irrespective of their bowling style.

“The job of the ICC is to make sure that everyone with their skill should get an equal opportunity to showcase his talent. But when you take that talent from a certain section of players, it is very unfair. Today, you hardly see any finger spinner playing white ball cricket. Why? It’s not them to be blamed; it’s ICC that needs to be blamed for it,” he added.

Gambhir is one of the front-runners in replacing Rahul Dravid and becoming head coach of the Indian cricket team. However, BCCI has not made any official announcement yet and are also considering other options for the position.

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