Moeen Ali criticises ODI rules, says format has 'died'
London: Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has criticised the current rules of One Day International (ODI) cricket, stating that they favour batters and have contributed to the decline of the format. He claimed that ODIs have "almost completely died out" except for major tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Speaking to Talksport Cricket, Moeen, who retired from international cricket last year, called the 50-over format the "worst to play" and blamed rule changes for making batting easier while diminishing the role of bowlers.
"In the earlier times, after the first powerplay, five fielders were allowed outside the circle, but now it's four, which makes batting easier in the middle overs. Additionally, the use of two new balls has reduced the chances of reverse swing," he said.
Moeen, who played 138 ODIs for England, highlighted that the current rules allow batters to dominate, leading to higher averages and reduced wicket-taking opportunities for bowlers.
"The extra fielder rule is terrible for building pressure and taking wickets. Players now average 60 or 70 in ODIs. When you try to put pressure on a batter, he just reverse-sweeps, and instead of a single, it goes for four," he added.
He also warned that the financial incentives in T20 franchise leagues could lead to more players retiring prematurely from international cricket.
"Franchise cricket is sadly eating up the format. The money on offer is so huge that players find it difficult to turn down. Many might retire from international cricket in the coming years to focus on T20 leagues," Moeen said.
Moeen, who will play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL, has featured in 68 Tests and 138 ODIs for England, amassing over 5,000 international runs and taking more than 300 wickets.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Indore water contamination: Mayor says informed of 10 deaths
Indore (PTI): Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Friday said he has received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of the city.
However, local residents have claimed that 14 individuals, including a six-month-old infant, have died due to the health crisis. The health department has not confirmed this claim.
“According to health department data, four people have died due to the diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura. However, I have received information about 10 deaths due to this outbreak,” Bhargava told PTI.
ALSO READ: Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls
To a question about suspected cholera spread in the area based on preliminary test reports of drinking water samples collected from Bhagirathpura, the mayor said only the health department could provide information on the matter.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said on Thursday that laboratory test reports from a city medical college had confirmed that the drinking water from the locality was contaminated due to a leakage in a pipeline.
The CMHO, however, did not share the detailed findings of the report. Administrative officials have also been avoiding giving clear information about it.
Officials said a leakage was found in the main drinking water supply pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a spot over which a toilet has been constructed. They claimed the leakage led to contamination of the water supply.
More than 1,400 people have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura over the past nine days.
A health department official, citing the situation till Thursday night, said that 272 patients were admitted to hospitals in the area, of whom 71 have been discharged.
The official said 32 of the 201 patients currently hospitalised are undergoing treatment in intensive care units.
