The One Day International (ODI) Super League involving 13 teams concluded amidst the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup. The next step is determining the teams for the World Cup through their rankings in their respective systems. However, there’s controversy among two boards regarding this issue.
In a board meeting in Ahmedabad, the ICC mentioned discussions on the future of ODI cricket. There might be a push from at least two boards to reinstate the ODI Super League system. Despite decisions being pending, the captain of the reigning World Cup champions has expressed a preference for ODI cricket.
The certainty of ODIs in the future was a question that initiated discussions for the upcoming World Cup. Even at the end of the final, the question persists. Many are curious about the number of applications received for this edition outside the World Cup. The final of the World Cup had a different atmosphere. According to AFP, there were 92,000 spectators at the final. Although the match itself might not have been exceptional, the World Cup has gifted some memorable matches. England’s loss against Afghanistan by 69 runs or the semi-final played by the non-Test playing Netherlands against South Africa were enjoyed by the audience. Additionally, there’s a convenience in this edition of ODIs.
In ODIs, teams have the opportunity to make a comeback during matches. Despite initially struggling, teams often make a remarkable comeback later on. This aspect is absent in T20 cricket but is a distinct feature of Test cricket. An example from this World Cup would be the match between Australia and Afghanistan. Chasing 291 runs, Australia was at 91 runs for 7 wickets but astonishingly, Australia managed to win the match with an incredible partnership between Glenn Maxwell, who scored 202*, and Cummins. The thrill of that match was akin to what one might experience in T20 cricket. Australia’s captain, reflecting on the future of ODIs, said, “It’s hard to say. Maybe we won because of that. But in this World Cup, I have fallen in love with ODIs again.”
Regarding ODI cricket, Cummins mentioned, “Each match has become more important than bilateral series.” The discussion about what will happen with ODIs within the World Cup is ongoing. Before the World Cup, the newly elected president of the ICC, Mark Nicholas, had mentioned that ODIs should only be played in the context of the World Cup. CricketInfo published his statement, “We firmly believe in playing ODIs only within the World Cup. Many countries are not filling their galleries for ODIs. T20 cricket has reached an extraordinary level of popularity. There’s more money to be won in this free market.”
Nicholas provided commentary during this World Cup for a broadcasting channel. He praised the matches between Afghanistan and Netherlands. Now the question remains: How will teams perform in this tournament if there are no bilateral series between them in this edition by the ICC?
It’s an interesting time for ODI cricket, with discussions ongoing about its future and relevance, especially within the context of major tournaments like the World Cup.
