Welcome change

Sir - Greg Chappell's article, "Change with the times" (Nov 13), was interesting. It is time to bring about innovative changes in Test cricket, such as the introduction of the pink ball in day-night Test matches. Cricket should evolve with the times and adjust to the interests of the public. It will not be long before one-day internationals also lose their popularity, given the growing challenges posed by the Twenty20 format. Cricket will survive only if it can adapt to the changing times. At the same time, transparency in the working of the governing bodies as well as a stringent anti-corruption regime will go a long way in taking the game forward.

 

Yours faithfully,

Sanjib Kumar Saikia,

Jorhat, Assam

Sir - The introduction of day-night Test matches by the International Cricket Council is a welcome move. Over the past few years, Test cricket had been losing its popularity gradually. Barring the traditional Ashes series between England and Australia, there were few Test series which succeeded in bringing spectators to the grounds. The ICC's move will prove to be successful, as cricket lovers will now be able to enjoy the game without having to worry too much about their schedules.

However, with the changes in the timing of the Test matches, the players will also be compelled to change their techniques. They will have to deal with the pink ball under artificial lights. Failing to adapt to the changing situations will make the players' performance suffer. If this happens, Test matches will often wrap up within three or four days. So the cricketers, especially the batsmen, will have to improve their playing skills. This will help keep the spectators' interest in the game alive on all five days of the match.

Yours faithfully,

Iftekhar Ahmed, Calcutta

Final bow

Sir - The veteran actor, Saeed Jaffrey, who entertained film enthusiasts all over the world, suffered a brain haemorrhage recently and passed away at the age of 86 ("Jewel of cinema, witty and a charmer", Nov 17). Jaffrey started his career as a theatre actor. He set up his own English theatre company in New Delhi, where he starred in productions of the works of William Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams. He acted in numerous Hindi films, including Masoom, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Chashme Buddoor, Henna and Ajooba. He also starred in Richard Attenborough's Oscar-winning Gandhi and John Huston's The Man Who Would Be King. He was also known for several British television series, including Gangsters and Tandoori Nights.

Jaffrey was the first Indian to receive the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to drama. He could speak several languages. He starred in several American crossover films. He worked with some of the world's greatest film personalities, such as Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Roshan Seth, James Ivory and Daniel Day-Lewis. Jaffrey was a gifted mimic. His sudden demise is a great loss to the global film industry.

Yours faithfully,

Haran Chandra Mandal,

Barrackpore

Sir - With the demise of the legendary actor, Saeed Jaffery, an era has come to an end. His acting prowess has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, theatre and television. He was equally prolific on the radio. He acted in several Bollywood and Hollywood films. In his career spanning more than five decades, he starred in more than 150 films, including Gandhi and Shatranj Ke Khilari, for which he won a Filmfare award.

Jaffrey was one of the few Indian actors who found fame and success in both India and the West. His passing has left a void in the film industry. However, his work will continue to entertain people across the world.

Yours faithfully,

Ramesh G. Jethwani,

Bangalore

Parting shot

Sir - The veteran Congressman, Mani Shankar Aiyar, said that relations between India and Pakistan could only improve if Narendra Modi is removed from the post of the prime minister of India. He made this comment during a panel discussion for a news channel in Pakistan. Although Aiyar is known for his contrarian views, sharp debating skills, erudition and smart repartee, he should be more restrained in his speech, especially when he is on foreign soil.

Yours faithfully,

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal