Former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar recently pointed out some reservation regarding master blaster Sachin Tendulkar innovative idea of 14 players-a-side in Harris Shield matches. Vengsarkar had said that this idea should be implemented only in the initial stages of the tournament as later it could eliminate the role of the all-rounders and could hinder the batting skill of the bowlers. Notably, Sachin Tendulkar advised a few innovative cricketing ideas which include ODI cricket match to be played in four quarters of 25 overs each to rule out the dew factor.
Former vice-president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Vengsarkar gave his consent to this format in the last season as it was implemented till the quarter-final stages of the tournament. This year MCA has given a green signal to the Mumbai State Sports Association (MSSA) to implement this format in the entire tournament. This was done after the cricketing legend wrote to the state association suggesting that it should be implemented in the knock-out stages as well.
Vengsarkar while talking to TOI regarding this said:
“I had agreed to have the Giles Harris shield teams featuring 14 players in a match with 11 on the field at a time simply because I had noticed that many schools participate without having a proper cricket team and they don’t even last 18 to 20 overs. The change was introduced on an experimental basis, but the league stage of the tournament would strictly be played by the selected 11 players.”
The former national selectors further mentioned that 14 players-a-side reduces the pressure to perform which is a bad thing for cricket.
“With all 14 players confirmed their participation, there is no pressure to perform and be a part of the playing XI. There is no pressure for the main-line batsman to forge partnerships with the tailenders and win matches. There is no pressure for the bowlers to score those crucial runs to win matches. What about the all-rounders? They will be out of the game,” he stated.
Nadim Memon, the MSSA cricket secretary, said having the format till the final stages was an outcome of a positive response from last year.
“We introduced it on an experimental basis last season, and since the feedback was very positive, we decided to play the entire tournament that way. The more number of players are there, the better it is for the selectors to take their pick,” Memon said.