Pakistan dismiss Akhtar outburst on new rule

KARACHI: Pakistan on Saturday played down fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's criticism of a new no-ball rule as his personal opinion, saying the change was endorsed at a high-level meeting.

"The free hit rule after a front foot no-ball in one-day cricket was endorsed at ICC (International Cricket Council) meeting and Pakistan agreed to the change in the rule," Pakistan Cricket Board director of operations Zakir Khan told reporter.

Akhtar yesterday urged the ICC to reconsider the new bowling rule, which allows a free hit in case of a front foot no-ball in one-day cricket, saying it was harsh on bowlers.

The batsman cannot be dismissed on the free hit unless he is run out.  But Khan disagreed, saying the new rule had been widely tested.

"The new regulation has been used in domestic cricket in England, Australia and South Africa and has worked. The basic idea is to ensure the game is not slowed down, something that happens when bowlers bowl no-balls," said Khan, himself a former fast bowler.

The ICC's Cricket Management Committee suggested the change to make one-day cricket more attractive and it was approved by the ICC board last month. The rule will be effective from October this year.

"If less time is wasted the players' break between the innings will be the right length -- 45 minutes -- giving them more time for recovery and the idea has been universally popular with spectators," said Khan.