Is ODI cricket dying a slow death?
Ben Stokes’ retirement from ODI cricket has ignited the discussion about whether the 50-over format is still viable. While the effectiveness of the three formats has long been a topic of debate, the emphasis now is on the continued existence of ODI cricket.
Test cricket has partially recovered thanks to the World Test Championship, with matches becoming more goal-oriented. With its leagues, T20 offers both money and enjoyment. But where does ODI currently stand? Is it dull? Is it too long to be entertaining? Or is it too short and less observant like Tests to be as gravely fascinating?
50-over cricket has passed the phase of marginalization and is currently falling apart. The players are disengaged – as evidenced by Moeen Ali’s and R Ashwin’s recent thoughts and Stokes’ adieu to the format – and the fast-paced nature of international T20 franchise tournaments has overpowered the format.
In order to cater to their T20 league, South Africa recently pulled out of an ODI series against Australia, scheduled in January next year, despite having crucial ODI World Cup Super League points at stake. It is a perplexing situation that could spiral out of control.
Why do we hear talk of ODI cricket dying even after a productive ODI World Cup in 2019, wherein the live coverage attracted an average global audience of 1.6 billion viewers? One-Day cricket requires improvement. It shouldn’t be eliminated at all because the broadcasters depend on it financially because the number of advertisements ODI match offers can not be matched by T20Is.
One change that could be made to the format to keep it sustainable is to abandon all bilateral ODIs and limit the use of 50-over international cricket to ICC events. The fewer the opportunities to play or see something unusual, the more will the players and viewers demand it.
It’s debatable if the ODI format is dying or not, but if it is, the ICC and the boards must take responsibility and provide enough context and significance to it and make sure the old format stays alive in the era of T20 leagues and WTC amazement.
