ICC: Drops batting Powerplay in One Day matches,relief for bowlers.

International cricket council (ICC) has decided to remove the batting Powerplay and allowed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle between the overs  41 to 50 in  ODI matches and made some several changes to make the game more bowlers friendly.

These suggestions were put forward by ICC’s cricket committee during their meeting in Mumbai headed by the former Indian Test Cricket team captain Anil Kumble. The changes to the playing conditions were approved by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee, which is chaired by Richardson, on Monday and Tuesday.

“We have thoroughly reviewed the ODI format after a very successful World Cup. There was no need to make any radical changes to what has proved to be a vibrant and popular format but we wanted to take this opportunity to make the format simpler and easier to follow for the public as well as maintaining a balance between bat and ball,” ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

“In making these adjustments, we have tried to ensure that ODI cricket retains the attacking, aggressive and thrilling brand, which has recently become the hallmark of 50-over cricket and sets us on a positive path to the next World Cup in England in 2019,” he added.

ICC Chairman N Srinivasan said, “This has been an extensive exercise, which clearly reflects our seriousness, endeavor and commitment to addressing and eradicating the menace of corruption from cricket. The successful implementation of these recommendations will help reduce the threat level but we need to remain vigilant and maintain a zero-tolerance approach.”

The alterations, if ratified, would mean there would be two fielders outside the circle for the first 10 overs, four for the next 30 and five for the last 10 overs. However these rules will come into effect from July 5.

                     Some major changes

• No compulsory catchers in overs 1-10 (ODIs).
• No batting Powerplay between overs 15-40 (ODIs).
• Five fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle in overs 41-50 (ODIs).
• All ‘no balls’, not just ‘foot faults’, to result in a free hit (ODIs & T20Is).

 The five fielders in the death overs would surely provide support to the bowlers, having 4 bowlers outside the 30 yard circle was not rational for the bowlers previously. I think this is the best move taken by the ICC for the sake of bowlers.