Can ODI retain its glory?

As the game’s biggest extravaganza begins tomorrow, the administrators and fans alike are debating the future of the one-day international or ODI?

As we brace up to watch the opening match of the World Cup 2011 tomorrow, not many would be aware that this year the ODI format successfully completes 40 years; the first ODI was played on 5th January, 1971 between Australia and England. However, after entertaining the fans for the long four decades, the format’s popularity is now being questioned as it faces stiff competition from the T20 format, whose popularity has only soared in recent times and now threatens the very existence of the ODI. The reasons are all too well known: the T20’s biggest strength is the fact it is the shortest format of this most popular sport in this part of Asia. It gets over in roughly around half-a-day, it is fast and hence is exciting. Further, in today’s Internet age when people have so many entertainment options to spend their time at it would be tough to assume they would be patient enough to watch an 8-9 hours thriller called ODI. 

The administrators at the game’s biggest body too have expressed their concern over possible waning of interest among cricket lovers in ODIs, however, there have not been any concrete steps taken so far to address the same. “There are no plans to dramatically change the format of the 50-over game at international level,” Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, told in an interview to ESPNSTAR.com. However, he added, “The ODI today has a very different look and feel to what it was 40 years ago when the first match took place in 1971. We have always embraced change and will continue to do so.” 

Indeed, the ODI format has undergone significant changes with the introduction of several interesting features such as reduction of overs from 60 to 50 over per innings, power play, the concept of replacement player or Supersub etc. However, there is still a need to experiment with some more refreshing ideas to keep the fans’ interest alive in this format. Introducing the concept of split-innings, which Australia is experimenting with, could be a good idea. Reducing the number of overs to 40 from the existing 50 could also be toyed with; in fact, countries like England, South Africa and Zimbabwe have already begun experimenting with this in their domestic competitions.

But then one has to understand that the changes would also mean that we won’t be able to see those classic, text-book shots which have been the hallmarks of the formats like ODIs and test matches and instead have to be ready to see more of helicopter shots, switch shots and several other new brands of shots. 

Maybe finding a solution that balances the aspirations of the new genre of fans while at the same time helps retaining the game’s features that made it great would indeed be great.

Meanwhile, we wish all the great success to the World Cup 2011 and great times for the viewers, spectators, fans and all those associated with this great game.

Amy, Chief Editor