NEW DELHI: According to former Australian captain
Aaron Finch
, the 50-over format is too slow and does not attract large crowds, hence the ODIs should be shortened to 40 overs each side.
There has been much discussion on the future of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) despite the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. There aren't many ODIs planned for this year, especially considering the ICC T20 World Cup.
Many international bilateral series, frequently featuring elite teams, get extremely mediocre to below average attendance that is not really commensurate with these teams' caliber.
Speaking in a video by ESPNCricinfo, Finch said, "I think it goes to 40 overs, I would love to see that. In
England
, they used to have the pro-40 and that was a huge competition. I think the game has gone too long, in my opinion. The speed that the teams bowl their 50 overs is so slow, it's down around 11 or 12 overs/hour and that is not acceptable. People will argue that maybe it is a glorified T20 game but it is about the crowds."
Finch is opposed to the idea being utilized during major team matches, but it can benefit failing sides like the West Indies, who missed out on the Cricket World Cup the last year.
"I am not quite sold on that for every series. I think when you have got the big dogs all playing against each other, I still think the 50-over game's electric, and the ebbs and flows are wonderful but when they are so one-sided, when you have got the West Indies... who are trying to fight their way back into the World Cup, they are so off the track, I think 40 overs might suit that type of series, it might bring them closer together," he concluded.
But former Australian cricketer,
Callum Ferguson
, expressed doubts about the 40-over format's widespread adoption. He was not persuaded by Finch's suggestion.
"I am not quite sold on that for every series. I think when you've got the big dogs all playing against each other, I still think the 50-over game's electric and the ebbs and flows are wonderful but when they are so one-sided, when you've got the West Indies... who are trying to fight their way back into the World Cup, they are so off the track, I think 40 overs might actually suit that type of series, it might bring them closer together," said Ferguson.
(With agencies inputs)
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