Afridi cries fowl over new ICC rules

Johannesburg: Pakistan all rounder Shahid Afridi has claimed the new one-day rules introduced by the International Cricket Council ( ICC) late last year has made it tough for the slow bowlers in the fifty-over format.

The former Pakistan captain has 348 victims in 352 ODIs but is without a wicket in the first three games in South Africa who lead the five-match series 2-1 going into the fourth contest in Durban on Thursday. Afridi told a Pakistani channel as a spinner it is not easy bowling under the new rules, adding not only him but also all of their spinners have struggled. Afridi added this rule of having two new balls in an innings, and not having more than four fielders outside the 30m circle throughout an innings has made life difficult. Pakistan`s slow bowlers have been unable to contain South Africa and the home side racked up a huge 343 for five on the way to a 125-run win in the third match at the Wanderers on Sunday. Afridi said he is now working with his bowling coach to adapt to the rules and come up with new tactics and strategies, adding he has also discussed it with their premier spinner. Afridi claimed the new rules have changed the approach of the captains and batsmen as well. ANI