Imran differs with Sachin on ODI re-jig by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SR Tendulkar, Imran Khan

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DateLine: 6th September 2009

 

Former Pakistan great Imran Khan did not find Sachin Tendulkar's idea of re-jigging the ODI format impressive.

 

Imran said the 50-over game has its own charm and there is no need to tinker with it.

 

"Every format of the sport has its own utility and charm and it is better not to try to change these formats," said Imran, who is in Karachi on a two-day fund-raising campaign for his Shaukat Khanum Cancer Research Hospital along with fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

 

"I don't think the growing popularity of Twenty20 cricket poses any threat to Test or 50-over matches if the international calendar is balanced properly," said the cricketer-turned-politician.

 

Tendulkar recently suggested splitting the 50-over matches into two innings of 25-overs each.

 

Imran also said that after Test matches, it is the ODIs which provide toughest challenge for players and ICC or its member boards should not try to reduce the number of overs to 40 or less.

 

"That will rob one-day matches of its real charm. Then it is better the ICC just focus on further popularising Twenty20 cricket," Imran said.