Sachin Tendulkar's idea of 14 players per side to be inculcated in school finals

It is a well-renowned fact that Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has been vocal about his unique ideas which would benefit the game of cricket. Just a few years back, Tendulkar professed about the need for 100 overs of ODI cricket being divided into four quarters of 25 overs, with the two teams batting alternatively.

The idea was intended to provide a better balance in the game with the changing conditions during the match. Usually, with the dew coming in later in the evening, the side batting second holds an unfair advantage over the side batting first.

Another such idea proposed by the legend was the innovative 14-players a side idea which is now set to be in implemented in the finals of the Elite League in both the Harris and Giles Shield too. The idea was tried out in the opening knock-out rounds of the Harris Shield last year.

“I’m happy that more children will get the opportunity to play. The idea is to engage as many children to playing sport and leading a healthy life,” stated Sachin Tendulkar according to Times of India on Wednesday. The Harris Shield is scheduled to commence from November 2.

The idea provides an opportunity to everyone especially the bowlers

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to implement the 14-a side rule till the Elite finals of the prestigious inter-school tournaments after a request to that effect from Tendulkar and Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) cricket secretary and former Wankhede curator Nadeem Memon.

“Sachin’s idea was appreciated by all the schools, coaches, players and their parents, because everybody is now getting a chance to play, especially the bowlers. They wanted to continue it further and because of that 84 more players could play in the Harris Shield,” claimed Menon.

“The idea gives coaches a lot of options because it means that 11 good batsmen and bowlers can play out of 14 players in a side. You can nominate 14 players while going out for the toss, and pick the 11 best batsmen and bowlers from that 14,” concluded Menon.