As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 unfolds in India—arguably the beating heart of global cricket—it faces a curious paradox. Though cricket is nearly a religion here, the buzz around this edition is conspicuously subdued compared to past tournaments like 1987, 1996, and 2011. This diminished enthusiasm raises unsettling questions about the future of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). After all, India’s appetite for a cricketing format often determines its survival.
India: Cricket’s Unofficial Capital
Cricket may have been a colonial gift, but it is India that has transformed the sport into an economic powerhouse. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Introduced in 2008, the IPL began as a spectacle but has since evolved into the most lucrative event in world cricket. While other nations may have pioneered formats like Twenty20 (T20), it is India that has turned them into cultural phenomena and financial giants.
The dominance of India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) means that global cricket is increasingly shaped by the country’s preferences. The IPL's growth exemplifies this power. With players often prioritizing IPL contracts over national duty, and some even retiring early from international cricket to play in the league, it is clear that the shorter format—especially T20—is gaining ground at the expense of other formats.
The Struggle for Bilateral ODIs
ODI cricket, once the crown jewel of international cricket, now finds itself in the crosshairs. Bilateral ODI series, which used to draw crowds and television audiences, are struggling to stay relevant. Top teams often rest their key players, the matches feel like fillers in a packed calendar, and the viewership ratings continue to plummet. The economics of cricket have shifted, and List A cricket (domestic one-day competitions) has dwindled in importance.
The only bastions of tradition left seem to be Test matches—propped up by the allure of the Ashes and India’s continued enthusiasm for five-day cricket. Even here, it is tradition and legacy rather than financial viability that sustain the longer format. With the rise of T20 leagues across the globe, players and boards are beginning to view ODIs as an awkward middle child—too long to generate the instant thrill of T20s but lacking the prestige of Tests.
The Looming Expansion of IPL and T20
The IPL is no longer just a two-month festival; there is talk of expansion. An extended IPL, with more matches and longer seasons, seems inevitable. For players, the financial security offered by IPL contracts far outweighs the unpredictable nature of international cricket. With more games, more sponsors, and more cash, the IPL’s expansion would force the International Cricket Council (ICC) to revisit the Future Tours Programme (FTP). This could leave even less room for ODI cricket, as leagues become the financial lifeline for players and boards alike.
Already, several nations are eyeing franchise-based T20 leagues to bolster their domestic cricketing economies. It is not difficult to imagine a future where these leagues occupy the majority of the calendar year, leaving little space for bilateral ODIs. The 50-over format may soon face the fate of being relegated to World Cups only—or worse, being phased out entirely.
Can ODIs Find a Lifeline?
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, therefore, holds more significance than just the crowning of a champion. For ODI cricket, this tournament could be a lifeline. Yet, the challenge is steep. Despite its rich history—think of the classics like the 1992 World Cup or the unforgettable 2019 final—ODI cricket needs to strike the right chord with fans, broadcasters, and players to prove its relevance once again.
T20 cricket's appeal lies in its brevity, with a match wrapped up in three hours and the promise of action-packed entertainment. In contrast, ODIs, stretched over an entire day, demand more time from viewers. But with dwindling attention spans and the saturation of cricketing events, the 50-over format must reassert its value beyond nostalgia.
A Future Without ODIs?
The writing on the wall seems grim. In an era where commerce governs sport, the balance may tip in favor of formats that offer quick returns. T20 cricket has already established its dominance, and the idea of a T20 World Cup every four years, instead of the current two-year cycle, is being discussed to alleviate player workload. Test cricket, buoyed by tradition and selective fan engagement, still holds ground. But the ODI? It risks becoming a relic of a bygone era, unless it adapts swiftly to the changing dynamics.
In the topsy-turvy world of cricket commerce, survival depends on reinvention. Whether the 2023 World Cup will be ODI cricket’s revival or its requiem is a question only time will answer. One thing, however, seems certain: the future of the 50-over format hangs in precarious balance. Will it find a way to coexist alongside T20s and Tests, or will it be reduced to a fond but fading memory?
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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