Waqar Younis, Pakistani bowling legend and former coach for the men's cricket team, was taken to task by Australian batswoman Alyssa Healy after carelessly 'suggesting' on Twitter that Women's World Cup matches should have only 30 overs as the standard 50 were "a few too many".

Younis tweeted: "@ICC What about having 30 over [matches in] Cricket World Cup for Women??? Like Tennis [has] 3 sets rather then 5 [for women] #Suggestion I feel 50 overs are [a] few too many #WWCUP17."

The tweet got a mixed response, with some users agreeing with him and others calling Younis out on his 'suggestion'.

Looking to control the damage from his first tweet, Younis tried to clarify his comment saying his "suggestion" was for the good of the game:

"Lesser overs mean faster pace, more audience, competitive cricket, no discrimination or prejudice toward women #AlwaysRespectWomen #WWCUP17"

Healy came swinging at Younis, replying to his tweet saying:

"Haha so what you're saying is that 530 runs in a 50 over game isn't entertaining?! With two of the best innings anyone has seen..."

She was referring to Australia's win over Sri Lanka in Bristol. In the match, Sri Lankan Chamari Atapattu hit an unbeaten 178, which Australia's Meg Lanning followed with 152 not out as her side successfully chased down 9-257.

Opinion

Editorial

A new direction
Updated 18 Mar, 2025

A new direction

While kinetic response may temporarily disable violent actors, it will not address underlying factors providing ideological fuel to insurgencies.
BTK settlement
18 Mar, 2025

BTK settlement

WHEREVER the money goes, controversy follows. The PMLN-led federal government, which recently announced that it will...
Sugar crisis
18 Mar, 2025

Sugar crisis

GREED knows no bounds. But the avarice of those involved in the sugar business — from manufacturers to retailers...
NAP revival
Updated 17 Mar, 2025

NAP revival

This bloody cycle of violence will continue unless action is complemented with social, economic, political efforts in Balochistan and KP.
New reality
17 Mar, 2025

New reality

THE US retreat from global climate finance commitments could not have come at a worse time. Pakistan faces an...
Killer traffic
17 Mar, 2025

Killer traffic

MYSTERIOUS and unstoppable. It is these words that perhaps best describe the recent surge in traffic-related...