Irfan Pathan Calls For The Preparation Of Bowler-Friendly Pitches In The Wake Of The Saliva Ban

Irfan Pathan, former Indian all-rounder, has called for more bowler-friendly pitches in the post corona world as the game comes to terms with the changes made in the playing conditions.

The ICC has introduced a number of changes in the playing conditions which include the use of covid-19 substitutes, constant sanitization, and the ban on the use of saliva on a cricket ball.

Irfan reckons that the only way one can bridge the gap between bat and ball is by preparing bowler-friendly pitches.

“Ultimately, what you need is good pitches for bowlers to bowl. Be it Test, ODI or T20 cricket, there should be something for the bowlers.” Irfan Pathan told the National.

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‘No need to sanitize the ball and other equipment all the time’- Irfan Pathan

The left-handed all-rounder also reckoned that there is no need to sanitize all the equipment every single time since the players are already quarantined and tested before the match.

“There are a few options. If you have quarantined players before a match and tested them, then no need to sanitize the ball and other equipment all the time. But there might be some players who are asymptomatic. In that case, a spit ban is fair enough. But if you start to sanitize every time, you will prolong the game. A three-hour T20 game will go for five hours,” Pathan added.

Cricket World has been divided over the International Cricket Council’s decision to ban the use of saliva on a cricket ball. Former and current bowlers have cast their apprehensions against the move, stating that it will further tilt the balance of the game in the favor of the batsmen and will take reverse-swing out of the game.

Former legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has even warned the ICC that the current move will reduce the bowlers to mere robots while Jasprit Bumrah has called for an alternative. Ever since the news broke that the ICC is considering a ban on the use of saliva, the concept of introducing the use of artificial substances has been floating around but no conclusive decision has been taken on the same thus far.

Also Read: Wasim Akram Warns Bowlers Could Become Robots In The Wake Of The Ban On Saliva