New Delhi, May 19 (TNS): The International Cricket Council will debate over the issue of scraping coin toss in cricket at the meeting of cricket’s governing body in Mumbai on May 28 to May 29.
The proposal to scrap the tradition of the coin toss has been a huge debate over the recent months, and reports according to a media outlet suggest that more than one member of the committee will propose that visiting captain should have a free hand at deciding whether to bowl or bat, which would scrap the need of a toss.
The proposal has been defied by several former captains and greats of the game, especially those from the subcontinent who think cricket’s traditional coin toss must prolong.
The tradition is in danger of extinction following the meeting of ICC in Mumbai later this month. One must not forget that this ritual has been followed since the first test was played between England and Australia in 1877.
However many cricketers and critics also support the proposal as they believe it will reduce home advantage, that often results in host nations making pitches according to their own comfort and “playing strengths” subsequently making the encounters one-sided before the ball is even bowled.
On the matter, the Indian spin great Bishan Singh Bedi said: “I’m actually at a loss to make any sense, first of all, why would you even want to tinker with a century-long tradition?”
The Indian skipper, Bedi’s former teammate Dilip Vengsarkar, proposed an alternative on the issue, “If this is only about home team’s interference in pitch preparation then just introduce neutral curators”
The former Test batsman added, “Have a panel of neutral curators just the way the ICC has an elite panel of umpires and match referees”
Former Australian skippers Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh also back the proposal of scraping the toss in the game.
West Indian fast bowling great, Michael Holding believes that scrapping the coin toss will encourage an even contest between cricketing sides and will eradicate one-sided matches in the game to an extent.
However Former Pakistan skipper Asif Iqbal who has represented the country with 58 caps, opposed the proposal and believes it will hinder the charm of the game.
“Every visiting team will also be hosting tours and will be having the home advantage. To be the best and top team in the world ranking you need to win both at home and more importantly away from home.”
“I am certainly not in favor of scraping the toss”, said the veteran.
