Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Two-Ball Rule in ODI Cricket as ‘Fraud’ According to a recent statement from former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, the two-ball rule in One-day International cricket heavily favors batters and takes away from the excitement of the game. The rule, which was implemented the ICC in late 2011, allows the use of two balls alternatively from either end, with a single white-ball being used for only 25 overs in an ODI match.
While this change was made to modernise the ODI format and create more run-scoring opportunities for batters, Akhtar argues that it has been detrimental to fast bowlers and made the concept of reverse swing irrelevant in ODI cricket. Akhtar referred to today’s cricket as ‘fraud’, lamenting the lack of competition between bat and ball in the ODI format. He expressed his respect for players like Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, and Jacques Kallis, who scored runs with a single ball in 50 overs, unlike modern-day batters who benefit from the introduction of two new balls.
The former pacer also clarified that he is not discrediting those who are scoring runs under the new rule, but believes that modern-day batters would have a different perspective on batting had they played in the era before the two-ball rule. Akhtar’s comments have sparked discussion about the impact of the two-ball rule on the dynamics of ODI cricket and the balance between bat and ball. With the Cricket World Cup 2023 approaching, the debate over the two-ball rule’s influence on the game is likely to continue.