Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has criticized both India and West Indies for maintaining slow over rates during the third ODI in Mullanpur on Saturday, October 3.
The match lasted nearly nine hours, with both teams failing to complete their allotted 50 overs within the required time. India and West Indies were also penalised during the game for their slow over rates.
West Indies had to bring an extra fielder inside the circle for the final three overs of their innings. India faced a similar penalty and could only field four fielders outside the circle for the final four overs of the match.
“Yes, it’s nine hours, and I do feel that it is a bit long. I do think ICC and everyone involved should clamp down on why does it take for a 50-over game to go 9 hours. Ideally, it should be 7 hours with a break in between as well. Even if you extend it to 8 hours, it is okay,” Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
“In this day and age, when we are trying to shrink everything and make it shorter, I don’t think it makes sense to have a one-day game for 9 hours, and then on the other hand we are constantly asking why ODI cricket is failing, why no one is interested in being part of this format. This is the reason. I think the pace of play needs to be looked at. Yes, it is a hot day, that is a given, but to have a game go on for 9 hours is not helping this format stay afloat,” he added.
On the other hand, former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane urged the ICC to introduce strict rules for slow over rates.
“It felt like this match went on for 2 days, it felt that long. Actually, the match was really good. But the way it went on for so long, you have to see it from the fans’ point of view as well. Some strict rules have to be introduced, it is the players’ and the ICC’s responsibility to implement and follow the rules,” Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
India will next take on the West Indies in a five-match T20I series, starting Tuesday.
