Pakistan cricket stars back PCB‘s ‘no-toss’ rule

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced a number of new rules in the upcoming domestic season. The ‘no-toss’ rule is one such rule making rounds in the domestic circuit and Pakistani stars are backing the rule.   

“It improves the balance between bat and ball, as it ends the toss gambling factor,” said Azhar Ali. “It is a good move providing the visitors an option, you can think of it as hospitality” quipped fast bowler Usman Shinwari.

The PCB says that the purpose behind the introduction of this rule is to provide equal and fair opportunity to the visiting side to exploit assistance from the surface, if any. A view shared by skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“The home team always picks their squad according to their strengths so it's a good thing that the away team will have this advantage to choose," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan bowling spearhead Mohammad Amir said that this rule would ‘neutralize the wicket favoritism’ during the home and away matches.

“The county cricket has this no-toss rule, because there are home and away games, it is a good sign that home and away games are coming in domestic cricket, as Punjab goes to Sindh and vice versa  so this is the best option as it neutralize the wicket favoritism,” said speedster Mohammad Amir.

The “No-toss” rule would be seen for the first time in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the country’s premier tournament. According to clause 13.4 of the PCB Playing Conditions 2019-20, the visiting team’s captain will have the option to bowl first after accessing the pitch conditions.

If the captain opts against it, the normal toss – which is done by the spin of coin – will be done.