<p>International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson said it was too early to form an opinion on the new set of rules introduced in the 50-over format, the purpose of which he said was to make the game more attack-oritented. <br /><br /></p>.<p> The India- Pakistan ODI series saw the introduction of these rules, evoking disapproval from both the captains -- India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his Pakistan counterpart Mibah-ul-Haq. They stressed that frequent modifications in the 50-over format were pulling the game more towards the Twenry20 version.<br /><br /> Richardson, a former South Africa wicketkeeper, said they would assess the new rules for a year before taking a final call. “I think it will take some time for captains to work out strategy to deal with that. It's far too early to form any judgment whether it has been successful or not. The purpose was to make cricket more attacking, both from the point of view of batting and bowling. We have to have a full year cricket and look at the statistics. If it does contribute to more attacking cricket, then we will take it forward from there,” he told reporters. <br /><br />Pointing at the full house at Ferozeshah Kotla, Richardson insisted there was life for 50-over format. “There is no doubt in my mind that 50 overs is still a good product. To me, it provides the perfect balance, it's a full day out and you get a result in the very same day. There is still a place for the 50 overs game,” he said. <br /><br />Richardson said the ICC was keen to have more bilateral series between India and Pakistan but said it was premature to say whether it was safe to tour Pakistan. <br />“It's up to the two countries to determine when they want to play a bilateral series. Obviously, we would encourage more cricket between India and Pakistan, without over-killing it. It's certainly a very iconic series,” the ICC CEO said.<br /><br /> Having been a wicketkeeper himself, he backed under-fire Indian skipper MS Dhoni. “The only way you judge a keeper is by how much he misses and Dhoni doesn't miss too many. In fact, I have always marvelled at his work load, the fact that he is captaining a side, batting at No 6, and also keeping wickets. I think you need exceptional talent to do that. He stays calm with his job,” he said. <br /><br />Richardson also supported the DRS system. “At this stage, the majority of member countries agree with the ICC policy to have it in the series. When it has been used, it has worked well. I think in the long run, it is good for the game. The policy is don't force it on the member nations.”</p>
<p>International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson said it was too early to form an opinion on the new set of rules introduced in the 50-over format, the purpose of which he said was to make the game more attack-oritented. <br /><br /></p>.<p> The India- Pakistan ODI series saw the introduction of these rules, evoking disapproval from both the captains -- India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his Pakistan counterpart Mibah-ul-Haq. They stressed that frequent modifications in the 50-over format were pulling the game more towards the Twenry20 version.<br /><br /> Richardson, a former South Africa wicketkeeper, said they would assess the new rules for a year before taking a final call. “I think it will take some time for captains to work out strategy to deal with that. It's far too early to form any judgment whether it has been successful or not. The purpose was to make cricket more attacking, both from the point of view of batting and bowling. We have to have a full year cricket and look at the statistics. If it does contribute to more attacking cricket, then we will take it forward from there,” he told reporters. <br /><br />Pointing at the full house at Ferozeshah Kotla, Richardson insisted there was life for 50-over format. “There is no doubt in my mind that 50 overs is still a good product. To me, it provides the perfect balance, it's a full day out and you get a result in the very same day. There is still a place for the 50 overs game,” he said. <br /><br />Richardson said the ICC was keen to have more bilateral series between India and Pakistan but said it was premature to say whether it was safe to tour Pakistan. <br />“It's up to the two countries to determine when they want to play a bilateral series. Obviously, we would encourage more cricket between India and Pakistan, without over-killing it. It's certainly a very iconic series,” the ICC CEO said.<br /><br /> Having been a wicketkeeper himself, he backed under-fire Indian skipper MS Dhoni. “The only way you judge a keeper is by how much he misses and Dhoni doesn't miss too many. In fact, I have always marvelled at his work load, the fact that he is captaining a side, batting at No 6, and also keeping wickets. I think you need exceptional talent to do that. He stays calm with his job,” he said. <br /><br />Richardson also supported the DRS system. “At this stage, the majority of member countries agree with the ICC policy to have it in the series. When it has been used, it has worked well. I think in the long run, it is good for the game. The policy is don't force it on the member nations.”</p>
