Rashid Latif calls free hit an opportunity for corruption

Highlighting the flaws in the rules of the game, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif has said that the rule of awarding free hit to the batting side after a bowler bowls a non-ball, provides players and administrators with a perfect opportunity to corrupt the game.

Sharing his opinion on his Twitter timeline, Latif lambasted the rule of a free hit as the worst ever rule or law to be introduced in the game of cricket.

Notably, the rule of the free hit was introduced in the game in the year 2007. 

At first, it was applicable for all foot fault no balls but later in 2017, the ICC extended the rule to all types of no-balls including the ones due to more or less number of fielders inside or outside the 30-year circle in the white-ball formats of the game.

Latif, 52, played 37 Tests and 166 ODIs for Pakistan at the highest level in the period between 1992 and 2003. He could muster only one century with the bat along with seven fifties in the longest format. 

With the gloves behind the wicket, Latif took 119 catches and affected 11 stumpings while in the ODIs, he affected 220 dismissals that included 38 stumpings and 182 catches.