Concerns Over Future of ODI Cricket as Stars Prepare to Depart

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian off-spinner, has raised significant concerns regarding the future of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, suggesting that the format may face challenges in remaining relevant beyond the 2027 World Cup. Ashwin's remarks come in the context of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he acknowledged the excitement generated by the participation of cricketing icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

The 2027 World Cup is already on the horizon, yet Ashwin believes that the landscape of the game is changing. He noted the rising dominance of Twenty20 leagues and the enduring appeal of Test cricket, which he feels could overshadow the space available for 50-over matches. "I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it," he stated during an episode of his Hindi YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

Audience Preferences and Changing Dynamics

Ashwin emphasised the importance of understanding audience preferences in shaping the future of cricket. He expressed that while Test cricket retains its appeal, the same cannot be said for the ODI format. "Also, we need to know what the audience wants to watch. I feel Test cricket still has space, but ODI cricket, I truly feel, doesn’t have the space," he remarked.

His comments highlight a critical observation: the relevance of ODI cricket is heavily reliant on the presence of its biggest stars. Kohli and Sharma have collectively scored 86 centuries in ODIs, making their influence crucial for maintaining viewer interest in the format. Ashwin pointed out that the return of these players to the Vijay Hazare Trophy led to a notable increase in viewership, demonstrating their significant draw. "Look, Rohit and Virat came back to Vijay Hazare Trophy and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals, but at times these players need to come back to make the game relevant," he noted.

Transformation of ODI Batting

The former cricketer also discussed how the nature of batting in ODIs has evolved, particularly under the influence of T20 cricket. He reminisced about how players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni used to build their innings patiently before launching an aggressive attack. "One-day cricket, once upon a time, was an amazing format because it gave a player like MS Dhoni who would take singles for 10-15 overs before he went berserk at the end," Ashwin explained. He lamented that such batting styles have diminished, with modern ODIs often characterised by extreme approaches—either aggressive batting or total collapse in challenging conditions.

Rethinking the International Calendar

Turning his attention to the international cricket calendar, Ashwin urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its current strategy. He highlighted the importance of revenue for the sport's sustainability but warned against over-saturation of formats. "The ODI format has become redundant, and to top it, ICC needs to see how they are conducting these World Cups," he said, comparing cricket unfavourably to football’s structure. He pointed out that while football holds its World Cup every four years, cricket has too many tournaments, which could dilute their significance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of ODI Cricket

As the cricketing world looks towards the next T20 World Cup, Ashwin raised concerns that certain match-ups, like India facing emerging teams such as the USA or Namibia, could risk alienating viewers instead of drawing them in. He proposed a stark solution for ensuring the future relevance of ODIs: "If you really want to make ODI cricket relevant, then just play these leagues and play the ODI World Cup once in four years, so when people turn up for events, there will be a sense of expectation."

In conclusion, Ashwin’s dire warning encapsulates the precarious position of ODI cricket, suggesting that without a strategic overhaul and the presence of star players, the format may be heading towards what he describes as a "slow death."