Resilience of ODI Cricket in the T20 era

From the editor’s desk

The recently concluded World Cup 2023, the final installment of the ICC’s event cycle spanning from 2015 to 2023, has been hailed as a resounding success. Media rights, sold nine years ago, proved lucrative as market expenditures surged, benefitting both the ICC and broadcasters.

Despite India’s home team facing defeat in the final on November 19 in Ahmedabad, the world witnessed jam-packed stadiums and record-breaking viewership.

As the ICC initially confronted challenges such as the shifting narrative due to T20 explosion, the identity crisis facing ODI cricket, and the non-inclusive ten-team tournament’s unprecedented turnouts, both in stadiums and on air. This calls for an assessment of where ODI cricket stands vis-à-vis T20, its later version.

ODI cricket, considered the middle ground between Test and T20 formats, has faced its fair share of challenges with the rise of the T20 format. The fast-paced, entertaining nature of T20 cricket has captured the attention of fans worldwide, leading some to question the future of the 50-over game. However, there are several reasons why ODI cricket is likely to endure the onslaught of T20 cricket.

ODI cricket has a rich history that spans over five decades. It has been witness to iconic moments, legendary players, and historic matches. The World Cups, held every four years, are pinnacle events that showcase the enduring appeal of ODI cricket. The tradition and legacy associated with the format contribute to its continued significance in the cricketing world.

While T20 cricket is celebrated for its explosive batting and quick outcomes, ODI cricket offers a more balanced and strategic experience. Teams must carefully manage resources, balancing aggressive and defensive play throughout the innings. This strategic complexity sets ODI cricket apart and appeals to fans who appreciate the nuances of the game.

ODI cricket serves as a crucial platform for players to develop and showcase their skills in a format that demands both patience and aggression. The 50-over format acts as a bridge between the precision required in Test cricket and the explosive flair of T20 cricket, allowing players to refine their abilities across all facets of the game.

ODI cricket remains a cornerstone of international cricket, with bilateral series and global tournaments providing a consistent calendar of highstakes matches. The ICC Cricket World Cup, in particular, attracts global attention and fosters intense rivalries among nations. The significance of these competitions ensures that ODI cricket maintains its relevance on the international stage.

The longer duration of ODIs allows for sustained viewer engagement, making it an attractive proposition for broadcasters and sponsors. The format provides ample opportunities for advertising, creating revenue streams that contribute to the financial wellbeing of the sport. The balance between entertainment and strategic depth in ODI cricket appeals to a broad audience, ensuring a steady following.

Significantly, if we talk about the just-concluded World Cup, a statement has been made and that is, regardless of the format, the Indian team’s dream run drew massive crowds, showcasing the sport’s universal appeal. The total spectator count surpassed a million, not only for India’s matches but also for non-India fixtures.

Opinions differ, though. While commentator and MCC president Mark Nicholas deems bilateral ODIs outdated, cricket legends like Viv Richards, Aravinda de Silva and Sachin Tendulkar passionately support the format. Aravinda de Silva, the Sri Lankan legend and the latest inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame describes ODIs as a blend of T20’s power and fast pace, along with Test cricket’s stamina and strategy.

Contrary to the perceptions that ODIs are losing their allure, many argue that a full 50-over tournament remains fulfilling after the T20 overdose. The survival of bilateral ODI cricket faces uncertainty amid the proliferation of T20 leagues worldwide. Suggestions for change, including reducing powerplay duration and adapting ODIs into 40-40 cricket, abound. Former cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri, well-versed in market economics, proposed this change before the World Cup.

Interestingly, in the wake of Australia’s historic victory over India on November 19, Pat Cummins expressed euphoria, revealing how this Cricket World Cup had rekindled his love for ODI cricket. The numbers, at least, suggest that he was not alone in his sentiment.

While T20 cricket has undoubtedly injected excitement and dynamism into the cricketing landscape, ODI cricket’s enduring qualities make it well-equipped to withstand the challenges posed by its shorter counterpart.