Sunil Gavaskar has criticized bowlers”modern habit’ of taking refreshments while fielding on the boundary, in addition to the regularly planned drinks breaks throughout the match.
Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary Indian cricket team batsman, has condemned the’modern practice’ of bowlers taking refreshments while fielding near the boundary in addition to the regularly planned drinks breaks throughout the match. In his essay for Sportstar, Gavaskar claimed that it offers bowlers an unfair advantage while hitters do not have the same opportunity. Gavaskar also accused modern cricket officials for ‘turning a blind eye’ to the incidents, which have become rather regular in the sport nowadays.
“In cricket, the modern practice of bowlers, especially the quick ones, getting a refreshing drink on the boundary line where they go to field after completing their over is an example of the authorities turning a blind eye to the practice,” Gavaskar said in his piece.
According to ICC rules, players are permitted to drink outside of planned drinks breaks if no time is spent during the match and it does not upset any other cricketer.
As long as no playing time is lost, a player may be handed a drink on the field, either at the boundary edge or when a wicket falls. Other beverages cannot be brought onto the pitch without the umpires’ consent. Any player who consumes alcohol on the pitch must wear appropriate cricket clothing.
Gavaskar did draw attention to the fact that this regulation only applies to bowlers, though.
If bowlers are going to rehydrate after exerting themselves for six deliveries, then why have the drinks break? Keep in mind that following an over in which they may have taken eight runs or so, all of which are runs, the batter is not given the opportunity to have a drink,” he noted.”To be honest, I think cricket should return to the days when drinks were only allowed after an hour of play and before that only with permission from the opposition captain and umpires. After all, cricket is a game where stamina and endurance matter no matter what the format is,” Gavaskar continued.
