Bowlers to have tough time with new ICC rule: Harbhajan Singh

Out-of-favour Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Thursday said the bowlers have a tough time ahead following the implementation of new International Cricket Council (ICC) One-day International rule.

He also suggested that wickets be developed like the one in New Delhi, which recently hosted the India-Pakistan ODI.

Soon after Punjab Ranji team made into the semi-final stage defeating host Jharkhand by virtue of huge first innings lead of 298 runs, its captain Harbhajan Singh (popularly known as Bhajji) said the new ODI rule will be difficult for the bowlers particularly the blowers bowling the middle-over of ODI.

The new ICC rule was not good keeping in view the Asian conditions unless the wickets were developed on the line of New Delhi, which favoured batsmen, seamers as well as the spinners, he said.

I would suggest that wickets should be made that would also favour the bowlers particularly bowling the middle-over of the match, Bhajii said adding that bowlers would have a tough time ahead otherwise.

Claiming that all the ODIs played post-ICC new rules witnessed low-scoring matches, he said one extra fielder have to be inside the 30-yard circle throughout the match.