May 09, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 3, 1429

LONDON, May 8: International cricket chiefs have banned hi-tech cricket bats that give an unfair advantage to batsmen, saying the move will help prevent the game becoming too predictable.

Rule changes will ensure bat handles are made with cane, wood, twine and rubber, according to a statement from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of the game’s laws, released to media on Thursday.

The move follows the development of bats that use materials such as graphite and titanium in their lightweight handles, giving extra power to batsmen.

MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said the new laws, passed with overwhelming 98.6 percent support, were designed to maintain the balance between bat and ball.

“In cricket, the battle between bat and ball is the key,” he said. “If one comes to dominate the other, the game will become predictable and less enjoyable to play and watch.”

Stephenson said cricket pitches, balls and boundaries had changed little in centuries but “modern bats have developed to the extent that mis-hits are now sometimes clearing the boundary rope for six”.

He said the MCC was mindful of the impact of technology on other sports when it ruled that bats must be made “in the traditional manner”.

“Golfers drive the ball enormous distances, tennis players serve at greater speeds, footballers can dip and swerve the ball extravagantly,” he stated.—AFP