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Ashwin Fears ODI Cricket's "Slow Death" After 2027 World Cup

Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed serious concern for the future of ODI cricket, predicting a "slow death" for the format after the 2027 World Cup. He highlights the waning relevance of ODIs amidst the global rise of T20 leagues and the enduring prestige of Test cricket. Ashwin warns that the retirements of modern icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could trigger an existential crisis for the 50-over game. He proposes the ICC reduce ODI events to just a quadrennial World Cup to restore its value and public anticipation.

Key Points: Ashwin Warns of ODI Cricket's Decline Post-2027 World Cup

  • ODI format under threat
  • Impact of star retirements
  • T20 league dominance
  • ICC event frequency criticized
2 min read

Ashwin warns ICC of slow death of ODI cricket after 2027 World Cup

Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin warns ODI cricket faces a "slow death" after the 2027 World Cup, citing T20 leagues' dominance and star retirements.

Ashwin warns ICC of slow death of ODI cricket after 2027 World Cup
"I feel it is going towards slow death. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

New Delhi, Jan 1

, 2026: Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has sounded a warning over the future of ODI cricket, expressing concern that the 50-over format could face a slow decline after the 2027 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. With the growing dominance of T20 leagues worldwide and the enduring appeal of Test cricket, Ashwin believes the relevance of ODIs is steadily diminishing, and the format's long-term survival is under threat.

India's second-highest wicket-taker across formats with 765 scalps, Ashwin believes that once modern icons like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire, the once-loved format will face an existential crisis of its own.

"I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it. Of course, I am following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the manner in which I followed the SMAT, I am finding it slightly difficult to follow," Ashwin said on his Hindi YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'.

"Look, Rohit and Virat came back to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals, but at times these players need to come back to make the game relevant. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, of course, is a domestic competition that not a lot of people follow, but they did because Kohli and Rohit were playing. Even then, what happens when they stop playing ODIs?" he added.

Ashwin also commented on the ICC event calendar. He believes that conducting World Cups frequently for revenue generation is killing the value and excitement of the tournament, and the cricket authority should learn from FIFA.

Looking ahead, the off-spinner also offered solutions to the ODI decline. Ashwin suggested that the ICC could explore having just one 50-over event, namely the World Cup, every four years. "If you really want to make ODI cricket relevant, then just play these T20 leagues and play the ODI World Cup once in four years, so when people turn up for events, there will be a sense of expectation. I feel it is going towards slow death," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad but true. I grew up watching Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly in ODIs. The format had its own strategy. Now everything is about sixes and fast runs. Maybe one World Cup every four years is the only way to save its prestige.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think Ashwin is being a bit pessimistic. The ODI World Cup will always be the biggest prize in cricket. The format might need tweaks (like two new balls?), but it won't die. Youngsters still dream of lifting that trophy for India.
M
Michael C
As a cricket fan from outside India, I see his point. The calendar is too packed. Too many meaningless ODIs dilute the World Cup. ICC needs to act before it's too late. Quality over quantity.
S
Shreya B
The real issue is player burnout. How can we expect them to be passionate about a 50-over game when they are flying between T20 leagues non-stop? The soul of cricket is getting lost in this commercial rush. Ashwin is right to warn us.
K
Karthik V
True yaar! I didn't even know Vijay Hazare trophy was on until I saw Virat was playing. That says it all. The format needs star power to survive, and after the current legends retire, who will bring that to ODIs? BCCI and ICC need a proper plan.

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