NEW DELHI: The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has played down threats to the game’s 50 overs format, saying a “healthy” number of one-day internationals will be played in the 2023-27 cycle.
ODIs
The proliferation of lucrative domestic T20 leagues have cramped up cricket’s already-strained calendar and England all-rounder Ben Stokes attributed his shock ODI retirement to an “unsustainable” schedule.
Earlier this month South Africa abandoned their ODI tour of Australia as it clashed with the launch of their domestic T20 league rising their chances of qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup in India.
The structuring of the game’s three formats was discussed at the governing body’s annual general meeting in Birmingham, where the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2023–27 was finalised, according to ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.
In a video conference, Allardice stated, “I believe at this point there is some discussion, not specifically about ODIs, but about the mix of formats within the calendar.”
“Countries continue to schedule a good number of ODIs in their FTPs as well.”So in the FTP, I don’t think you’ll see any significant change to the number of ODIs or the proportion of ODIs as being planned.”
Usman Khawaja, an Australian test batsman, claimed that one-day cricket was “dying a slow death,” and Wasim Akram, a former Pakistan captain, referred to the game as a “drag.”
Allardice acknowledged that some members gave their domestic leagues “particular attention,” but insisted that their dedication to international and bilateral cricket was “as strong as it’s ever been.”
“Each of them must strike a balance between their domestic competitions, their travel plans, and player management.
“Those boards are all in somewhat different situations. Therefore, there isn’t a single solution to that balancing problem.
Greg Barclay, the chairman of the ICC, acknowledged the rapid growth of franchise-based leagues.
The New Zealander said, “So there’s a lot of pressure on the calendar, but I’m not sure it’s a tipping point.
