IPL 2019: Coaches Stephen Fleming, Tom Moody express concern over slow over-rates

Sudhir Gupta 11:34 05/04/2019
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  • CSK coach Stephen Fleming. Image - BCCI/SPORTZPICS.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody and his Chennai Super Kings counterpart Stephen Fleming have expressed their concerns over the lengthy duration of some of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) clashes.

    Many matches in the ongoing edition have extended way beyond the estimated duration of a T20 clash with the likes of Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma copping fines for their team’s slow over-rates.

    Currently, slow-over rates in the IPL are only punishable by a monetary fine but Sunrisers coach Moody believes that is not enough to curb the problem. The former Australia cricketer wants the IPL to take a cue from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which has started penalising teams with slow-over rates by deducting points from their net run-rate.

    “Simple solution, forget monetary fines, deduct from teams net run rate. Works in the CPL, players quickly recognise the value of NRR (net run-rate) when it comes to qualifying for playoffs,” Moody tweeted.

    Meanwhile, Chennai coach Fleming believes that the lengthy matches being seen in the IPL defeats the entire purpose of the T20 format.

    “It’s too slow. I think it’s got to be a collective shift from everybody – players as well as on-field monitoring. I think there’s a little bit of broadcasting as well, there at times when you’re waiting to come back. So collectively, the whole thing could be sped up,” Fleming stated after Chennai’s 37-run loss to Mumbai Indians.

    “The moisture does play a part. We’ve had a couple of games which have been very dewy. Wiping the ball is a consideration. But I think cricket in general is played at a pace below where it needs to be. So I’d love to see all forms of the game increase the pace, even if it puts pressure on captains and bowlers, then so be it.

    “Well, how do you do that? You manage a little bit more strictly on the field and also ask captains and bowlers to be a little bit surer of their plans. I think we are reaching up close to four hours, defeating the purpose of the short game.”

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