Lahore, June 17: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq expressed his dismay regarding the ban of use of saliva to shine match balls put forward by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the ICC have set regulations for teams to follow as cricket looks to find its feet around the world. The sport is set to return with a three-Test series involving England and West Indies starting July 8.
Inzamam, however, stated he doesn't understand the logic behind the ban on use of saliva on match balls. He said that bowlers will turn towards tampering considering they won't be able to swing the ball.
"I was thinking the other day that you can't apply saliva on the ball because of certain issues (related to coronavirus). But there are several other things that can cause problems as well," Inzamam said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel 'The Match Winner'.
"If a bowler is not allowed to apply saliva then ball won't move around as much and he will go for runs. The bowler will then turn to other things such as vaseline to shine the ball. I don't understand the logic behind saliva ban."
Inzamam seemingly isn't a fan of following social-distancing protocols on the cricket field either as he stated this would end up changing the game entirely.
"The other thing is that will slip fielders also stand some distance apart? After taking a wicket, won't the bowler celebrate with his teammates? If a bowler is not doing well, won't the captain go up to him and speak with him? Will the batsmen stand six-feet apart and talk strategy?
"It is a very good thing that the sport is returning but tinkering with rules is a serious issue. Aap cricket ko cricket ko tarah hi rehne dein."
Following the conclusion of England-West Indies series, Pakistan is scheduled to tour the country for a series involving three Tests and as many T20Is, starting August 1.