Adopt IPL's play-off format for WC semifinals, says Ravi Shastri

The India head coach feels the IPL format will help teams in case there are rail curtailments or other untoward incidents, therefore giving them a second chance at a spot in the finals.

India head coach Ravi Shastri (L) speaks during a press conference as cricket team captain Virat Kohli (R) looks on at the BCCI head office in Mumbai on Monday.

When one thinks of the 1992 World Cup, the memories of South Africa requiring 22 runs in one delivery come to mind.

South Africa needed 22 off 13 balls to beat England in Sydney when rain stopped play. Ten minutes later the players were back on the field and South Africa needed 21 off one ball!

That was the semifinal of the tournament and the new entrants were beaten, courtesy the Duckworth-Lewis rule.

Back then, the DL method created furore among players and fans like but not much could be done about it.

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With another World Cup around the corner, which has a wide format like the 1992 edition, India head coach, Ravi Shastri, feels that at the last-four stage, teams should have the cushion of a play-off format akin to the one in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams get another chance to make it to the finals in case things don't go as per schedule.

Shastri, who played the 1992 World Cup for India, feels, it will help the teams in case there are rain curtailments or any other untoward incidents, which may prove decisive.

“I have always said this. That’s why the IPL format is fantastic, you never know in future, down the line, they (ICC) might think of doing it because you know that can happen,” Shastri said.

“At this moment of time though, we will have to just say bad luck, because it is not something you can prepare for, you know nature intervenes and tough luck...” the coach added.