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.
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
