In the recent past, quite a few cricketers have come out in the open to express their concern regarding the future of One-Day Internationals (ODI). Experts of the game have opined that the ODI format is losing its charm, and therefore something has to be done to make it more interesting for viewers across the world.
Not so long ago, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had shared his views over the same, stating the 50-over format has to find its relevance while also admitting that he switches off the television during an ODI fixture as it has become just an extended version of T20s.
Latest to join the bandwagon is legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram who reckoned that one-dayers might have to be scrapped as they no longer draw crowds to stadiums around the world.
“One-day cricket is just a drag now, especially after T20. The leagues all around the world, there’s a lot more money. I suppose this is part and parcel of modern cricket — T20 or test cricket. One-day cricket is kind of dying,” Akram had said on BBC Podcast.
While many seem to be doubtful about the future of ODIs, there are also voices optimistic over the future of this format, and one of those is of former Pakistan captain Salman Butt.
Butt shared his thoughts on the red-hot topic, mentioning the only difference between the ODIs and T20s is that the latter has leagues around the world and has more money involved in it.
“One-dayers have big tournaments, but there are no leagues in it. So, if someone is facing exhaustion with a packed schedule, they prefer to retire from ODIs. This way, they can have a cash-rich option in T20s and the long format one in Tests,” Butt said on his YouTube channel.
Butt further opined on Akram’s statement, insisting that while he respects the legendary Pakistan cricketer, his record 502 wickets came in ODIs only.
“Wasim Bhai is our legend. Who are we to say anything to him. I respect his opinion, but he also has 500 wickets in ODIs only. The two deliveries he bowled in the World Cup that everyone remembers; you won’t see them in T20s. There’s not enough time in that format. He was the man of the match in the World Cup final,” added Butt.
