Moeen Ali questions ODI rules, warns of T20's growing influence
What's the story
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has shown his displeasure toward the existing One Day International (ODI) cricket rules. He feels that the rules mostly benefit batsmen, which makes this format less appealing. The changes, like fewer fielders outside the circle and two new balls, have altered the dynamics of ODI matches significantly. "The format has almost completely died out, apart from World Cups and Champions Trophy," Moeen told Talksport Cricket. Here are further details.
Format's decline
ODI cricket's popularity has dwindled
Ali, who played 138 ODIs and took 111 wickets, shared his views on Talksport Cricket. He said apart from World Cups and the Champions Trophy, ODI cricket has almost "completely died out." He called it the worst format to play due to multiple reasons. Ali's comments come at a time when even marquee contests like India vs Pakistan have initially failed to fill stadiums. "It is the worst format to play and there are many reasons for that," Moeen added
Rule changes
Moeen Ali criticizes the introduction of 2 new balls
Ali slammed the rule change which allows only four fielders outside the circle after the first powerplay, instead of five as it used to be. He said the rule makes it easier for batsmen to score runs. "I think the rules are terrible... Guys are averaging 60, 70 in ODI cricket now because of that," he said. "On top of all this, you have two new balls, you lose the reverse swing," he further explained.
T20 impact
Concerns over T20 leagues affecting international cricket
Ali expressed his worry that the money from T20 leagues could prompt early retirements from international cricket. He said, "I think franchise cricket is sadly eating it all up... There are probably guys who are probably going to retire in the next couple of years from international cricket to play franchise cricket." "It's so much that people just can't turn it down. It's very difficult," Ali explained. His remarks highlight a rising trend of players choosing money over country.