The World Cup and Champions Trophy Have Proven That ODIs Still Hold Their Place in the Sport
KARACHI:
Over the past 18 months, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has hosted two major One-Day International (ODI) tournaments—the ICC World Cup 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the cricketing world often debates the supremacy of Test cricket and the global appeal of the fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) format, ODIs are frequently dismissed as an outdated, fading format.
However, for those who grew up watching 50-over cricket, these tournaments have reignited the nostalgia and excitement that ODIs offer.
This format provides the perfect blend of the strategic depth of Test matches and the high-energy action of T20 cricket. Batters must balance aggression with patience, adapting their game according to match conditions. Meanwhile, bowlers must master the skills required to handle both the fresh and aging ball, while spinners can come into play as the game progresses.
The recent ICC events have made one thing clear: there is still a place for all three formats to coexist. While ICC’s push to expand cricket’s global reach is understandable, there is a growing concern that these efforts may alienate long-time cricket enthusiasts.
Cricket’s Constant Reinvention: A Double-Edged Sword
Among major sports, cricket appears to be the only one constantly reshaping itself. Frequent rule changes and hasty decisions—such as awarding Test status to teams that are not yet competitive—create instability. This approach, though well-intentioned, sometimes disrupts the essence of the game.
One critical step that ICC must take is gaining better control over the Future Tours Program (FTP). A structured international calendar should ensure that all 12 Test-playing nations face each other twice within a six-year cycle—both home and away. This will restore balance to bilateral series, allowing for a healthy mix of Test and ODI matches, with tournaments like the Asia Cup integrated into the schedule.
With the T20 World Cup now a permanent fixture, the ICC should consider limiting bilateral T20 series outside of the tournament. Given the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues in every major cricketing nation, teams already have ample opportunities to develop their short-format skills. Instead, a larger global or continental T20 event held every four years could serve as the primary vehicle for global expansion.
This restructuring would help preserve the prestige of the 50-over World Cup, ensuring that it remains the most coveted prize in ODI cricket.
Balancing Quality and Commercial Success
A common argument against reducing T20s is financial viability. Short-format games attract substantial sponsorships and broadcast deals. However, revenue generation should be based on quality, not sheer volume. High-profile clashes—like the Ashes or an India-Pakistan showdown—command immense commercial value due to their historical significance and competitive intensity.
Not long ago, rivalries such as Australia-South Africa and England-West Indies drew significant global interest. More recently, India and Australia have emerged as fierce competitors, delivering high-stakes encounters that captivate fans worldwide. The key to sustaining cricket’s profitability lies in nurturing these rivalries through structured, meaningful fixtures rather than flooding the calendar with standalone T20 matches.
A Future That Values Tradition and Expansion
The ICC’s challenge is to strike a balance between growing the sport’s global appeal and retaining its traditional fanbase. Cricket’s long-standing format—a select group of elite teams competing in a well-paced international schedule—has stood the test of time. Instead of continuous experimentation, the focus should be on sustaining the sport’s unique structure, ensuring it remains a spectacle for old and new fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is ODI cricket often considered a dying format?
Many believe ODIs are losing relevance due to the rising popularity of T20 cricket and the traditional prestige of Test matches. However, recent ICC events have shown that ODIs still offer a unique and engaging experience.What steps should ICC take to maintain ODI cricket’s importance?
The ICC should establish a well-structured FTP, ensure equal opportunities for all Test-playing nations, and limit unnecessary T20 bilateral series to maintain the prestige of 50-over cricket.Will limiting T20 matches impact cricket’s commercial appeal?
Not necessarily. Quality over quantity ensures that marquee matches retain their financial value. High-profile clashes will continue to attract strong sponsorship and broadcasting deals.Can all three formats of cricket coexist in the long run?
Yes. Each format offers a distinct appeal. Test cricket remains the ultimate challenge, T20s provide fast-paced entertainment, and ODIs strike a balance between strategy and action.How can the ICC improve the competitiveness of international cricket?
The ICC must avoid rushing globalization and instead focus on maintaining the integrity of competitions, ensuring only well-prepared teams are given the highest-level status.
