The International Cricket Council’s decision to change the batting powerplay rules and use of new balls at each end has provided an edge for the bowlers in one-day cricket, interim Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan has said. “Previously, once the ball became older and softer the batsmen would have a field day and generally dominate the bowlers, but now with the introduction of the new rules I think it has evened things up and has made the battle between bat and ball a more competitive one in one day cricket,” PakPassion quoted Khan, as saying. “Even as a former batsman I’m really glad that the change of rules has been implemented as I was starting to feel sorry for the bowlers in the 50 over format of cricket, with wides being called for deliveries slightly down the leg side, free hits from no balls and bouncer restrictions,” he added. He further said that the ICC should be congratulated for bringing in the new rules which have made one day cricket more competitive again instead of it being a batsman friendly format of cricket. “It may well be that in future after teams and coaches have had more time to analyse the rule changes, we may go back to 300 plus in 50 overs, but at this moment the rule changes are excellent and have made one day cricket a more even contest once again which can only be good for the game of cricket,” Khan said.
