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Robin Uthappa Slams Crowded Cricket Calendar, Says ICC Events Losing Novelty

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has voiced strong criticism against the International Cricket Council's crowded event schedule. He argues that holding major tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy almost every year is causing them to lose their novelty and significance for viewers. Uthappa calls for cricket administrators to evolve and space out these championships to preserve their value. He emphasizes that the sport's direction must be followed and maximized, not forced.

Key Points: Uthappa: ICC Events Too Frequent, Losing Value

  • ICC events too frequent
  • Novelty and value diminishing for fans
  • Administrators must adapt
  • Tournaments need spacing for significance
2 min read

"Novelty of ICC championships is wearing off": Robin Uthappa questions crowded cricket calendar

Ex-India cricketer Robin Uthappa criticizes the packed ICC schedule, arguing annual tournaments diminish their significance for fans and players.

"The novelty of it is wearing off... It has to mean something. - Robin Uthappa"

Durban, January 9

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who is currently in South Africa for commentary duties in the ongoing SA20 season, said that the frequent scheduling of ICC tournaments has reduced their novelty and value for fans and viewers.

He further said that ICC championships should be spaced out in a manner that retains their significance for both players and audiences.

The Women's ODI World Cup was the most recent major ICC event, held between September and November 2025, and it will be followed by the men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026. In addition, the ICC Champions Trophy took place in February-March 2025, while the World Test Championship final for the 2023-25 cycle was played in June last year, taking the total to four major ICC events within a short span.

Speaking to the media in Durban, Robin Uthappa said cricket must evolve at an administrative level, warning that holding ICC tournaments every year is reducing their value and novelty for fans and viewers.

"I think the game needs to evolve from the administrative perspective. Today, how much value do fans and audiences hold for an ICC tournament every year? The novelty of it is wearing off, to be very honest, and with all due respect. And I think the novelty of the ICC championships must be there. I think it's an integral part, not just for the players but also for the fans, also for the viewers. It has to mean something. There has to be a little bit of a gap," the former India batter said.

Robin Uthappa said cricket administrators must accept that ICC championships should not be held every year, as the game is evolving in a particular direction. He stressed officials need to adapt and align with how the sport is changing to maximise its growth.

"We can't have or shouldn't have an ICC championship every year. And that is the hard truth that I think the administrators have to look at and face. You have to understand that the game is moving in a direction, and you can not force that direction into another space. You have to flow with that and try to maximise that towards where it's moving," Uthappa added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I see his point, as a working professional, I enjoy having big tournaments to watch more frequently. The packed calendar keeps the sport exciting year-round.
V
Vikram M
It's all about money. ICC and boards want more events for more revenue. But they are killing the golden goose. A World Cup win should feel special, not routine.
R
Rohit P
True. Also, players are getting burnt out. How can they peak for every tournament? Quality of cricket suffers. Need proper gaps for preparation and to build anticipation.
S
Sarah B
With respect to Mr. Uthappa, I disagree. The different formats (Test Championship, ODI WC, T20 WC) cater to different fans. Having them more often isn't necessarily bad if they are distinct events.
K
Karthik V
He's speaking the hard truth. Bilaterals have become meaningless, and now even ICC events are losing their sheen. Administrators need to listen to former players like him.

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