Pakistan’s Sarfraz gives thumbs up to new rules
abu dhabi — There are numerous changes announced by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday – from giving more power to umpires, Decision Review System calls and norms on bat sizes among others.
And the rules will come into effect across all formats from Thursday, which also happens to be the first day of the Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed is cool about the changes.
“The new sets of rules aren’t a difficult thing to follow. It is all easy and simple rules to understand and not as difficult a thing like science,” Sarfraz said in a candid chat with Khaleej Times at the Sheikh Zayed
It is all easy and simple rules to understand and not as difficult a thing like science Sarfraz Ahmed
Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Among the new changes, the thickness of the bat must not exceed 67mm and those of the edges not more than 40mm.
When asked about restrictions on bat sizes, the wicketkeeperbatsman noted: “As far as things like bat size is concerned, it is only a factor for those who play with thick bat. This isn’t an issue for those who play with a proper bat.”
When pointed out about possibility of a player being sent off the field by the umpire for Level 4 offences and finer points of umpire review and fair play, he said the team will be a meeting the match referee to know more about the rules.
“It will be then that he will inform us about the new rules and how it will be implemented.
“Once the referee will inform us about the whole changes then the team management will hold fiveminute meeting to enlighten them about the points they need to be wary about.”
Despite the array of ICC rule changes, Sarfraz, with a day to go for his first thrust with Test captaincy, is confident and has a positive outlook to everything.
Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the first Test match in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.