Has World Cup 2023 confirmed ODI is going to be first casualty amidst cricket overload?

Is ODI going to be the first casualty amidst cricket overload?

Cricket fans around the world were left in disbelief as the 2023 Men's World Cup kicked off in India's Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5 to a near-empty crowd. Despite the country's deep-rooted obsession with the sport, over half of the stadium's 132,000 seats remained vacant, casting a shadow over the event's grandeur. England's Jonny Bairstow facing the first ball of the World Cup against New Zealand's Trent Boult in front of such a sparse audience left a sour taste in the mouths of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

The delay in ticket sales for the World Cup had already ignited criticism, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) taking an unusually long time to confirm the final schedule. The sight of the opening match failing to sell out, despite being the most significant cricketing event of the year, was a disheartening blow to the sport's popularity. Reports emerged that the organisers had resorted to offering free tickets to 30,000 to 40,000 women from Ahmedabad, along with complimentary vouchers for tea and lunch, in a desperate bid to fill the Narendra Modi Stadium.

This empty stadium scenario has raised pertinent questions about the future of One Day International (ODI) cricket in an era dominated by T20 extravaganzas. To understand the current state of ODI cricket, we must first reflect on its evolution and its place in the cricketing world.

Decline of ODI cricket in the T20 era 

Traditionally, ODI cricket was the bridge between Test cricket's traditionalism and the fast-paced world of T20s. The format allowed for a balanced contest between bat and ball, where bowlers aimed to take wickets, and batters valued their wickets dearly. Matches like the 1979 World Cup final, where Mike Brearley and Geoff Boycott meticulously constructed a partnership in the initial overs, have become relics of the past. Today, such an approach would be deemed impractical and outdated.

The inception of the Kerry Packer-led World Series Cricket in the late '70s marked the beginning of a more glamorous, entertainment-driven version of the sport. Cricket was no longer just a game; it became a product, and the players turned into its best advertisers. The advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) further accelerated this transformation. It is now the second-richest sports tournament globally, second only to the National Football League in the United States.

The decline of ODI cricket was apparent when prominent players like Ben Stokes and Quinton de Kock announced their retirements from the format. While Stokes reversed his decision to give a shot at the 2023 World Cup, De Kock stated that he would call time on his ODI career following the conclusion of the World Cup in India. Earlier in 2022, South Africa and Australia canceled their ODI series to prioritise T20 leagues, and the UAE even introduced its own T20 competition during the same period. With the lure of lucrative T20 leagues, ODI cricket continues to struggle to retain its appeal.

Future of ODI cricket: Striking a balance 

However, ODI cricket has a vital role in cricket's ecosystem. It serves as a crucial bridge between the rigorous demands of Test cricket and the frenetic pace of T20s. From ODIs, cricketing nations nurture more well-rounded and sustainable cricketers, capable of adapting to various formats.

To revive ODI cricket, it is imperative to address the challenges it faces. The allure of T20 leagues cannot be underestimated, with players being drawn by substantial paychecks and the opportunity to compete against the world's best. Cricket boards must adapt to this reality, finding ways to accommodate players' commitments to T20 leagues while ensuring they prioritise representing their national teams.

Although South Africa captain Temba Bavuma refused to motivate his teammates to play ODIs, he pointed out "that when the guys have that opportunity to play for the country, they give it their all. It is becoming tougher and tougher for I guess guys to overlook the opportunity of the lucrativeness of playing in franchise T20 leagues. And that is just the real thing. I think organisations around the countries, at least for Cricket South Africa, what I know, are trying to get ahead of that trend. Maybe that trend is already gone, but they are trying to accommodate those individuals who have those opportunities of plying their trades outside of just playing for South Africa."

Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood said: "T20 is here to stay and it is a beast of its own now and I don't think you can do anything about that. It is attractive, it has got all the razzmatazz, especially when you look at the IPL and the glamour that goes around that and equally the money that is available for the players to play in that. And you are playing against the best people in the world all the time. So, for me I think that is a great thing. I think if we can put a good show on (at the 2023 World Cup), I mean not just Sri Lanka but all the teams here can put a good show on and actually show that this (ODI) format of a game is great as well, I think it will go a long way to obviously promoting the game."

Factors contributing to low attendance in Ahmedabad 

The decline in attendance at the 2023 World Cup opening match can be attributed to several factors. The game took place mid-week and did not feature the host nation, India, which undoubtedly impacted attendance. Unfavourable weather conditions with afternoon temperatures exceeding 34-35 degrees Celsius in Ahmedabad may have discouraged fans from attending the match in person.

However, there is hope on the horizon. The India vs Pakistan match on October 14 is expected to draw a massive crowd, with tickets selling out within minutes. The final, scheduled for November 19 at the same venue, is also anticipated to be a blockbuster event. These matches demonstrate the enduring appeal of ODI cricket, especially when rivalries are involved. While ODI cricket faces numerous challenges in the modern cricketing landscape dominated by T20 leagues and other short-format spectacles, it still holds a vital place in the sport's ecosystem.

To ensure its survival and resurgence, cricket boards must strike a balance between accommodating players' T20 commitments and maintaining the integrity and appeal of ODI cricket. The sporadic success of marquee matches like India vs Pakistan could reaffirm that there is still a place for the 50-over format, provided it is managed and promoted effectively. ODI cricket must be put on a pedestal once again and eagerly awaited by fans around the world.