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Ashwin: ODI Cricket Facing Slow Death?
1 Jan
Summary
- Ashwin doubts ODI cricket's survival post-2027 World Cup.
- Kohli and Rohit's presence vital for ODI format's relevance.
- T20 leagues and Test cricket are shrinking ODI's space.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent Indian spinner, has voiced significant doubts about the long-term viability of One-Day International (ODI) cricket. He fears the format may not endure past the 2027 World Cup, especially after stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma eventually retire from ODIs.
Ashwin highlighted that while the recent involvement of Kohli and Rohit in the Vijay Hazare Trophy drew attention, this reliance on star players underscores a deeper issue. He feels that the proliferation of T20 leagues and the sustained importance of Test cricket are progressively diminishing ODI cricket's appeal and space within the global cricketing landscape.
He urged governing bodies like the ICC to reassess the packed international calendar, suggesting that too many tournaments and bilateral series dilute the value of marquee events. Ashwin proposed that ODIs could gain relevance if played less frequently, perhaps focusing on a quadrennial World Cup similar to football's FIFA model.
