ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Waqar Younis faces flak for suggesting that matches be reduced to 30 overs

Former Pakistan head coach and captain Waqar Younis sent Twitter into an angry meltdown on Friday after suggesting that games in the ongoing Women’s World Cup should be reduced to 30 overs from the current 50-over format. The former pacer’s tweet caused a stir among cricket enthusiasts, especially when some of the users considered his opinion as ‘discriminatory’ towards women’s cricket. “@ICC What abt having 30 overs Cricket World Cup 4 Women???Like Tennis 3 sets rather than 5 #Suggestion I feel 50 overs r few 20many #WWCUP17,” he had tweeted on Thursday.

Meanwhile, some users seemed to agree with Waqar’s suggestion and even contended that the 50-overs women’s cricket was ’too boring to watch’.

Agree..and no one is watching these matches.. and fast bowling is like watching ball at slow motion

— Muhammad Talha (@talha44167) June 30, 2017

However, Waqar himself seemed to change his tune after facing a backlash. He quickly took to Twitter to clarify that his suggestion in no way meant any discrimination or prejudicial towards women. “Lesser overs mean faster pace,, more audience,,competitive Cricket,, no discrimination or prejudice toward Women #AlwaysRespectWomen #WWCUP17,” he posted.

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The Women’s World Cup has seen a few sexist controversies, with India skipper Mithali Raj most famously being asked by a journalist who her favourite male cricketer was. To this, Raj shot back saying: “Do you ask the same question to a male cricketer? Do you ask them who their favourite female cricketer is?” Meanwhile, Pakistan have struggled so far in the ongoing tournament after losing to South Africa and hosts England. The final is scheduled to be held at Lord’s on 23 July.