When was the last time we had a 5-match ODI series, and when was the last time someone managed to watch the complete 100 overs of a cricket match? ODI cricket is losing its glamour and the thrills it once offered.
The last 5-match ODI series took place between England and New Zealand in September 2023. However, even in marquee series, dwindling viewer engagement and declining in-stadium attendance reflect a growing disinterest in the longer format. This decline is due in part to modern audiences preferring the fast-paced, instant gratification that T20 cricket provides. With T20 matches fitting neatly into a few hours, the drawn-out structure of ODIs struggles to maintain attention, making it rare for fans to stay glued through the full 100 overs.
In contrast, the last time most cricket fans likely sat through an entire ODI match was probably during high-stakes ICC tournaments or closely contested World Cup knockout games. Outside of such events, bilateral ODI series struggle to pull in audiences, especially for all 100 overs of play.
This trend indicates how the longer format is losing its charm, especially when compared to the rising popularity of T20 leagues, which offer more excitement in less time.
The inclusion of T20 cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a pivotal moment that reinforces the shift in cricketing dynamics. While One Day Internationals (ODIs) were once a dominant force, their future now seems uncertain as T20 gains greater traction globally. The glorification of T20 cricket has also intensified with the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. This marks a significant moment, as cricket enters the U.S. market in a way never seen before, reflecting its expanding global influence.
The USA, which has a growing interest in sports like baseball and basketball, is also slowly being drawn into the world of cricket. By hosting matches in key cities like New York, Dallas, and Florida, the 2024 T20 World Cup aims to attract new audiences. It’s a clear indicator that T20 cricket, with its shorter match duration and high-octane action, is poised to capture the American sporting audience. This World Cup will be a spectacle, combining international cricket with American flair, creating a bridge for the sport to expand into previously untapped markets.
T20 vs. ODI: A Battle of Formats
With such global platforms pushing T20 to the forefront, ODI cricket struggles to maintain relevance. The format’s drawn-out matches and mid-overs lull don’t resonate with modern fans, who are accustomed to the fast-paced nature of T20. In the 2023 World Cup, lackluster attendance even for marquee games like the opener between England and New Zealand at India’s largest stadium spoke volumes. Out of 48 matches, only 9 were closely contested, with many failing to engage fans throughout.
The decline of ODI cricket has become more evident recently, and several factors underscore this shift. Notably, the MCC has recommended a reduction in bilateral ODI series post-2027, citing the saturated cricket calendar and the financial struggles faced by countries like South Africa, who canceled an ODI series against Australia to prioritize their domestic T20 competition
The financial incentives are also shifting away from ODIs. According to Balu Nayar, former Managing Director of IMG and a key figure behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), countries like South Africa have already begun to prioritize their domestic T20 leagues over ODI commitments. As more countries adopt this strategy, the future of bilateral ODI series looks increasingly bleak, with the format possibly being reserved for just ICC tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
T20 in the Olympics: 2028, 2032, and Beyond
The 2028 Olympics will showcase T20 cricket on a truly global stage, and its success is likely to further diminish the role of ODIs. But that’s just the beginning. The 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, will once again bring cricket to a major stage in a country where the sport is deeply rooted in the national identity. Following that, India is likely to bid for the 2036 Olympics, and given India’s fervent love for cricket, the inclusion of T20 in those Games could be a celebration unlike any other.
Cricket’s Olympic journey will be critical in introducing the sport to new fans and strengthening its global footprint, further diminishing the appeal of the longer ODI format. With its quick-fire matches, T20 is tailor-made for the fast-paced world of modern sports entertainment.
The Changing Face of Cricket
As T20 cricket takes center stage in these high-profile events, ODI cricket seems destined to fade. The 2023 World Cup saw a lack of fan engagement, which contrasts sharply with the excitement that surrounds T20 leagues and international fixtures. Even the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the USA, was heralded as a transformative event that will push cricket into new markets, particularly in North America.
While ODIs may never completely disappear, their role will likely be confined to special tournaments like the ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy. Bilateral series featuring ODIs could become a thing of the past, as nations focus on T20 matches and Tests for international tours.
The inclusion of T20 cricket in the 2028 and 2032 Olympics, combined with the growing spectacle of T20 World Cups, signals the rapid rise of the format at the expense of ODIs. As cricket makes its way into major global sporting events like the Olympics, the world’s attention will shift toward the shorter, more exciting format. ODI cricket, once a pillar of international cricket, now faces an uncertain future as T20 continues to rise, both in terms of global reach and commercial success. The next few years will likely define whether ODIs remain a key part of cricket’s landscape or fade into history, overtaken by the thrill of T20’s quickfire drama.
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