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Timeout hampering teams’ momentum, says Tendulkar

CAPE TOWN - Indian Premier League’s (IPL) ‘tactical timeout’ has come in for a sharp criticism by team officials and players, including Sachin Tendulkar, who said the innovation is breaking the momentum of the game.

The seven and a half-minute ‘tactical timeout’ is taken after the 10^th over in each innings. The crowd at the stadium is entertained by a live band while the television audiences watch three separate two-and-a-half minute segments, two of which are being sold commercially. The third shows the teams taking drinks and discussing tactics.

After the first round of matches, the break has not gone well with the teams.

”I think the strategy breaks are hampering the momentum of a team,” Mumbai Indians captain Tendulkar said.

”The seven and a half minute breaks are a bit too long.”

Chennai Super Kings’ head of cricket operations, V.B. Chandrasekhar, also feels the move is a distraction.

”The break after 10 overs is quite a distraction and comes in the way of valuable momentum, but that is something all teams will have to live with this year,” Chandrasekhar said.

Kings XI Punjab coach Tom Moody was more stinging in his criticism.

”We had the momentum and we had seven and a half minutes to lose it,” Moody said after his team lost by 10 wickets to Delhi Daredevils.

”It was the perfect time for Daniel Vettori to come on and secure the momentum back in favour of Delhi. But there are going to be days in this tournament when it works in our favour too,” said Moody.