Cricket’s bias towards batsmen increased with ICC approval to “Free Hit for No Ball” which empowers a batsman to go for a free-hit without fearing a dismissal in the delivery following a front-foot no-ball. The rule has already been implemented in Twenty20 cricket.
The International Cricket Council has approved a number of changes to the playing condition in today’s annual meeting. The highlights of the changes are :
- Free Hit for No Ball
- Additional fielder outside the circle during Power Play in ODI
- Mandatory ball change after 35 overs in ODI
- Increase in minimum boundary size
- Number of overs will be reduced proportionately in interrupted ODI match
The only objection to the “Free Hit for No Ball” rule being implemented in ODI was from BCCI; Bangladesh too argued upto some extent but others were in the favour of this rule. England, South Africa and Australia have already implemented this rule in their domestic cricket. This rule would come into effect from 1st October 2007.
While BCCI agreed to the rule of additional fielder to allowed outside the circle during second or third Power Play but were reluctant for ball change after 35 overs. Ultimately they had to go with the majority.
The suggestion that boundary lines be increased to 90 yards wherever possible was okayed with the condition that it would not effect existing grounds and would only be effective in new stadiums.
These rules would be implemented in the next season in India.
Rejected Proposed Change
The committee rejected a suggestion that the batting side be allowed to select one of the Powerplays to their advantage.
