In the World Cup 1996 Srl Lanka have proved that this game of cricket. particularly the limited overs game, should be played with strong mental strength and total team spirit. During the World Cup presentation both Ranatunga. the Srl Lanka captain, and Aravinda de Silva have said that whatever they have achieved is due to thetr courage and team spirit. And. that is how they have earned best results all through the tournament.

From this World Cup, I would like to highlight a few important points for further improvement In the next World Cup In 1999. What can bring more interest for the spectators and cricket fans? As a former cricketer and being involved with cricket organization in Bangladesh. I feel the following may be deliberated upon:

a) Field restriction: The World Cricket Body should rethink on the condition of nine players in the circle. This I would like to bring to the notice of general public that this nine men restriction in the circle has done a lot to increase the interest of the game. Batsmen in general have taken privilege of the rule and scored huge runs due to the condition. The captain of the fielding side can set the field according to the bowlers but this nine-man condition limits his possibilities. In this way.

the fast bowlers cannot show their real ability Because here the batting sides and the batsman at the crease has no technique to apply but only to push the ball between the gaps and over the fielders. In this way the team can pile up a

target of 100 runs in 13 overs or so. In 78 balls they can score 100 runs. Otherwise, it ■ is impossible to achieve their goal. This is not the cricket we know.

I think rule should be relaxed and also conditions of number of fielders should be implemented after careful study of the game.

b) Restriction of bouncer for the fast bowlers: The World Cup '96 has proved that if there are restriction for fast bowlers on bounces or anything above shoulder — then there Is no use of fast bowlers in the

limited overs cricket/ Because for a fast bowler this a strong weapon or tramp card to apply for making the batsman strike a wrong one.

Meanwhile. In limited overs cricket, the spectators enjoy when a batsman strikes. A four of a six In front or behind the wicket, hitting the fast bowlers. There is no restriction for batsman to do so even by not hitting the ball In the cricket technique. Therefore, for Justice to prevail, fast bowlers in the next World Cup should be allowed two express deliveries with bouncers. This will create more Interest and test an opening batsman’s ability to face fast bowlers. This will be fair for the fast bowlers because they can apply their repertoire of deliveries.

Please note that this restriction was given to benefit some cricket-playing nations. This was Implemented under the influence of the world body a few years back. Today, when there are so many protective gears from head to foot, why should bouncers not be allowed ? If the ICC rules can be changed, the next World Cup will be of more interest. Otherwise, there is no use of fast bowlers. A team will be able to leave out fast bowlers as a medium or medium-fast bowler will be able to do the same Job. It will be spinner-oriented World Cup. Whatever type of wicket they are playing. this will deprive cricketloving fans all over the world of true cricket.