Sachin Tendulkar proposes splitting up innings as part of suggestion for 50-over revamp

The India great has suggested splitting 50-over contests into four 25-over innings in order as part of a revamp to the format

Sachin Tendulkar has proposed an overhaul of 50-over cricket, suggesting that the format could be reinvigorated and made fairer by turning it into a contest consisting of four 25-over innings.

Speaking to the Times of India, he presented the impact of dew in day-night games as a major factor in his theory.

Currently a major game-changer for teams bowling in the evening, the former India batsman believes his tweak could limit the effect on the fielding side and provide a more balanced game.

“The 50-over format is the first thing that needs looking at,” he explained. “As I have suggested, the format needs a tweak of two innings of 25 overs per side with a 15-minute break between each innings. The number of innovations that can be brought in are huge.

“Let’s say there’s a 50-over-a-side match between Team A and Team B. Team A wins the toss, bats 25 overs; then Team B bats for 25 overs after a short break. Team A then resume their innings – with however many wickets they have left – from the 26th over, before Team B resumes the last innings to chase the target.

“If Team A loses all of their wickets within the first 25 overs, then Team B gets 50 overs – 25 overs plus another 25 after a break – to chase the target.”

Tendulkar added that a shorter break between innings could appeal to broadcasters, while also potentially offering a new solution to games washed out rather than Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.