Imran differs with Tendulkar, says ODI doesn't need tinkering

Karachi, Sep 6 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar's idea of rejigging
the ODI format doesn't impress Pakistani great Imran Khan, who
believes 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 here 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 had recently suggested splitting the 50-over
matches into two innings of 25-overs each.

Imran said after Test matches, ODIs provided toughest
challenge for a players and the International Cricket Council
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.

He, however, did not see any harm in the growing
popularity of Twenty20 cricket since it filled the coffers and
was good value for money for the spectators.

"But at the same time no one should try to change the
format of Test or one-day matches. Let them co-exist," he
said.

Imran felt the Champions Trophy in South Africa would
prove a success and remove any doubts over the future of
50-over cricket.

Asked what he expected from the Pakistan team in the
Champions Trophy, the former captain said he had not been
following their progress or training but given that they had
won the Twenty20 World Cup the team was capable of delivering
anything.

"I can only say, for sure, how Pakistan will fare in the
Champions Trophy if I know how they are preparing. But we will
only know about the strengths and weaknesses of the team once
the preparations are complete," he said. PTI COR
SDE