Sophie Devine asks for some major changes (Source: @np_nationpress/x.com)
The evenings have become more interesting for the Indian fans as the ongoing WPL is delivering unreal T20 thrills. As the fireworks are going on in every game, the Gujarat Giants all-rounder has stunned the world with her exceptional skills.
After already turning heads with her performances, the Kiwi star has now sparked debate off the field by calling for a rethink of the rules. Citing some serious concerns about how conditions are favoring batters, Sophie Devine urged revisiting the fielding rules.
Sophie Devine calls for a major overhaul of fielding rules
The WPL has returned with yet another exceptional season, and fans are enjoying some power-packed performances. As the batters are pushing the thrills to the sky, sometimes bowlers struggle for balance. Weighing in on the issue, Gujarat Giants all-rounder Sophie Devine has urged a rethink of existing cricket rules.
Under the current rules, teams are allowed only four fielders outside the circle during non-powerplay overs, a setup that clearly favors batters. As the batters get the advantage of that, Devine highlighted that issue. Speaking to the reporters on that issue, the all-rounder urged revisiting the rule to bring more fairness.
“There needs to be a serious look at the four-fielders-out rule. We are pretty close to going in line with the men and having five fielders out on the boundary,” he said.
“We’ve all seen the power that the women’s game has got now, and I don’t think having five fielders out would make a hindrance to the possibility and opportunities to score more runs,” he added.
Regulations leave bowlers fighting an uphill battle
As thrills soared high with jaw-dropping sixes and heart-stopping boundaries, there is also another side of hit. On a flat track, bowlers face a nightmare when a batter enjoys unreal success. As the fielding rules are aligned towards, bowlers faced the heat. Highlighting this growing concern, Sophie Devine has called attention to the urgent need for a rethink.
“The balance is distorted towards batters, especially when you’re playing on wickets that are so flat and offering not too much for the bowlers,” she said.
Sophie Devine battles the challenges of the ongoing season
In the ongoing season, fans enjoyed Sophie Devine’s blistering knock, and she even made an impact with bowling, but struggled there, too. Facing the UP Warriorz in the first match of the season, she scored a quick-fire 20-ball 38. Coming back with the ball, she struggled on the surface. While picking up only two wickets while conceding 55 runs with an economy rate of 13.80.
In the second match, she rolled up her sleeves and ignited fire on the field. Even after missing out on a century by just 5 runs, her 95-run innings gave a massive edge to the Giants' innings. In that match, she conceded 21 runs in three overs and secured two wickets.
Even after the bowlers gained an early edge in the ongoing season, momentum slipped away from them in the middle. Losing control at crucial moments makes Sophie Devine’s call for rule changes all the more understandable.
