Sourav Ganguly supports Sachin Tendulkar's four-inning ODI theory

ICC has to hear another opinion on 50-50 cricket as Sourav Ganguly joins the raging debate by supporting Sachin's four innings' theory

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat could soon be totally confused with so many views on the 50-over game.

Yesterday, Sourav Ganguly joined in the debate about whether the traditional arm of the one-day game is in danger. The former India captain refused to believe that the international format was in jeopardy in the face of T20's popularity. "I don't understand how 50-50 cricket is in danger of losing out to T20. The fact is that we play very few T20 games as compared to one-day internationals," said Ganguly, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the T20 Indian Premier League. "However, I agree with Sachin Tendulkar's 25-overs-per-innings suggestion. Sachin said it because this alteration will enhance the entertainment aspect. Not only that, it will help a side recover after a poor first innings," he said.

Ganguly also felt that there could come a time when people will not lap up too much T20 cricket.

Differing views
Most present day players have come out in support of the 50-over game. Most of them prefer it to the frenetic T20. Recently, Virender Sehwag said he preferred to play more Test cricket and one-day internationals than T20. Former players have differed. Like Shane Warne, who said: "This is a big call, but cricket evolves and the 50-over game has passed its sell-by date."

Ashley Mallett, the Australian off-spinner, who figured in the first ever ODI against England in 1970-71 called the 50-over game "boring."

"There is a hectic rush for runs in the first 15 overs, then a 15-over bash at the end. The middle 30 overs is dead boring. Runs come at six-an-over and no one tries to get anyone out. If it's not dead, it is floundering in treacherous seas," Mallett told MiD DAY.

Mallet like fellow Aussie Dean Jones wants to see a reduction in overs. Jones believed that 40-over cricket would be ideal.

For Mallett, it is 30 overs. "T20 will take over, probably already has done. It is great for marketing men and accountants, a collective that runs the game. Realistically, the best format would be a 30-over bash, which would rid us of the boring middle overs. But T20 has the marketers' ring to it and it is here to stay," he said.