BCCI Warned of ODI’s Decline Post Kohli-Rohit Era
Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced concern about the future of One Day International (ODI) cricket, predicting a possible decline after the 2027 World Cup. With stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to retire by then, Ashwin believes the format risks losing its relevance in a world increasingly dominated by T20 leagues and Test cricket.
The 39-year-old off-spinner, speaking on Thursday, said that despite his passion for the game, he finds it tough to stay engaged with domestic ODI tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in contrast to the excitement generated by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
“I’m genuinely worried about the future of ODIs after 2027. The interest and scheduling patterns suggest the format is being squeezed out,” Ashwin remarked.
ODIs Losing Space Amid T20 Boom
Ashwin highlighted a growing imbalance in the international cricket calendar. Many recent tours, he noted, include more T20 matches and fewer ODIs — a trend he finds concerning.
For instance, New Zealand’s upcoming India tour features five T20s but only three ODIs, reflecting how the shortest format is now prioritized for audience engagement and commercial appeal.
“We need to ask what fans want to see. There’s still a place for Test cricket because of its legacy, but ODIs are struggling to hold that same identity,” Ashwin added.
Stars Like Kohli and Rohit Keep ODIs Alive
Ashwin acknowledged that the presence of big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still draws viewership to domestic 50-over tournaments. Their participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy recently sparked renewed spectator interest, proving that familiar faces continue to sustain fan enthusiasm.
“When Rohit and Virat play, people come to watch. The game may be bigger than individuals, but sometimes star players bring visibility. Without them, the format risks fading,” he said.
Ashwin Urges ICC to Fix Overcrowded Calendar
Critiquing the International Cricket Council (ICC), Ashwin argued that excessive tournaments dilute the value of major events. With back-to-back T20 and ODI World Cups, he believes the excitement surrounding global competitions is fading.
“The ICC is organizing too many tournaments for revenue. Look at FIFA — its World Cup every four years retains its prestige. Cricket needs that balance,” he explained.
Ashwin further warned that oversaturation could drain fan interest, especially when marquee teams like India face lesser-known sides such as USA or Namibia in early group stages.
ODIs Need Redefinition to Survive
Concluding his remarks, Ashwin suggested that the ODI World Cup should be staged every four years to preserve its importance, while domestic limited-overs tournaments require marquee player participation to stay relevant.
As the cricketing landscape evolves, Ashwin’s words spark a pressing debate — can the 50-over format adapt and endure in an increasingly T20-centric era?
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