 Tendulkar has scored 16,684 ODI runs, more than any other player |
Sachin Tendulkar has suggested 50-over one-day internationals be split into two innings of 25 overs each to revive interest in the format.
Twenty20 cricket is threatening to overshadow the longer form, and there will be no domestic 50-over competition in England from 2010.
"Today, we can tell the result of close to 75% of [ODI] matches after the toss," said Indian great Tendulkar.
"But [splitting the game] is not too dependent on the toss."
Tendulkar being the highest run-scorer in one-dayers (16,684), his words carry extra weight.
The batsman said he thought of the idea in 2002, when India and Sri Lanka had to share the Champions Trophy in Colombo following a rain-hit final.
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"First, they played 50 overs and we played two before the rain interruption," added Tendulkar.
"The next day [a reserve day], Sri Lanka again played 50 overs and we played eight. In the end, we were declared joint winners.
"I thought, 110 overs and still no result. That's when I thought we should have 25 overs each for both sides and then 25 overs each again.
"If, for example, it's a day-night match, then both the teams will have to bat under lights.
"In those 25 overs you can use your 10 wickets the way you want. Suppose if it rains, then also you can plan. The conditions change very dramatically, but this would ensure that it's the same for everyone."
Last month, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced the decision to drop domestic 50-over cricket in favour of a 40-over competition.
England selector Geoff Miller criticised the move, arguing the absence of a 50-over domestic tournament could harm England's chances of success.
However, international 50-over cricket is also thought to be under threat, with the International Cricket Council reviewing its future after the 2011 World Cup.
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