What is the future of ODI cricket? ICC meet will look for answer

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The ICC board members are set to sit for a round table in the coming week. A series of topics will be on the agenda as the top brass of various cricketing boards try to steer the ship for the upcoming years.

A huge issue which looks set to be discussed is the future of 50-over matches, also known as the One Day Internationals.

Once a revolutionary format, ODI has been losing its value over the last few years. The game has evolved at a stage as spectators, and broadcasters are more interested in the shorter versions of the game.

T20 cricket is the flagship format at the moment, while some countries are also introducing the T10 format to further shorten and condense the thrill and entertainment component of the game.

An ODI match generally takes about 8 to 9 hours. In comparison to T20 cricket or a Test match which has its certain value, ODI cricket is not the Golden Goose for the broadcasters or the administrators anymore.

The massive money involved in cricket broadcasting means certain telecast giants have a huge say in the proceedings. And they are getting reluctant to televise ODIs.

ICC meeting is set to look for a plan for the ODIs post 2027. The 2028-32 five-yea calendar may witness a lot lesser number of ODIs, especially bilateral series.

Apart from global events such as ODI World Cup or Champions Trophy, One Day affairs may get a lot lesser exposure.

Apart from India, all the other countries have struggled to bring in numbers in bilateral ODI matches.

"Even potential broadcasters want the focus to be on big ticket Test series and T20 series. The seven hour ODIs and the inconsequential bilateral events are no longer money spinners," an ICC member said to PTI.

What is the future of ODI cricket?

With its decaying value among the top gun nations, the once most entertaining version of the game may see the beginning of its end.

In the coming meeting, the apex body of the sports will have to take some strong yet careful steps which will keep the format viable in the coming decade or so. Although ICC events are safe for now, bilateral ODI series may not be part of the schedule anymore from 2028 onwards.

The arrival of franchise leagues, lesser over formats and high broadcasting expectations have taken a toll on ODIs, and some key decisions now may end up becoming the telling factor in future.