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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Slow Death For 50-Over Cricket

Mumbai: For decades, One-Day International (ODI) cricket occupied a unique space in the sport. Positioned between the endurance and tradition of Test cricket and the high-intensity spectacle of T20s, the 50-over format once represented the ideal balance of strategy, skill and entertainment. It produced some of the game’s most memorable moments, from India’s historic triumphs in the 1983 Cricket World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup to countless dramatic run chases and record-breaking...

Slow Death For 50-Over Cricket

Mumbai: For decades, One-Day International (ODI) cricket occupied a unique space in the sport. Positioned between the endurance and tradition of Test cricket and the high-intensity spectacle of T20s, the 50-over format once represented the ideal balance of strategy, skill and entertainment. It produced some of the game’s most memorable moments, from India’s historic triumphs in the 1983 Cricket World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup to countless dramatic run chases and record-breaking innings that shaped modern cricket. Yet, in recent years, a growing debate has begun to dominate cricketing circles: is ODI cricket slowly losing relevance? With fewer bilateral series being scheduled, the rapid rise of franchise-based T20 leagues and several prominent former players openly questioning the format’s future, the discussion has moved beyond speculation to become a structural concern for the sport. Shrinking Space One of the clearest indicators of ODI cricket’s declining prominence is the reduction in the number of matches played annually. Historically, bilateral tours frequently featured five-match ODI series that often served as the centrepiece of international tours. Today, that structure has largely reversed. Modern tours increasingly prioritise T20 matches, with ODI series often shortened to three games or removed entirely. Several factors have contributed to this shift. The explosive growth of franchise leagues such as the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League has dramatically reshaped the sport’s financial and entertainment ecosystem Scheduling pressures have also been acknowledged by influential cricketing institutions. The T20 Revolution Perhaps the most significant disruptor to ODI cricket has been the rapid rise of T20 cricket. Since the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the shortest international format has transformed cricket’s global appeal. T20 matches typically last about three hours, making them more accessible to modern audiences accustomed to faster-paced sports content. For broadcasters and sponsors, the format offers higher entertainment value and greater commercial potential. The shorter duration also allows for more games to be played within tight scheduling windows, increasing revenue opportunities. Former Players Sound the Alarm Several former cricketers have publicly expressed concern about the future of the 50-over format. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been among the most vocal critics of the current structure. He recently suggested that ODI cricket may struggle to survive beyond the next decade. ‘I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I feel it is going towards slow death,’ Ashwin remarked, pointing to the increasingly crowded cricket calendar. Similar concerns have been echoed by former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who offered an even sharper assessment of the format’s current state. ‘The format has almost completely died out, apart from World Cups and Champions Trophy,’ Moeen said, arguing that certain rule changes -- particularly the introduction of two new balls and fielding restrictions -- have tilted the balance heavily in favour of batsmen, reducing the tactical complexity that once defined ODI cricket.’ Such remarks from experienced international players highlight the growing unease about where the format fits within cricket’s rapidly evolving ecosystem. Structural Challenges Facing the Format Beyond scheduling pressures, ODI cricket faces several structural issues that critics believe have diluted its appeal. One concern relates to the loss of tactical balance. Traditionally, ODI innings evolved through clearly defined phases -- cautious consolidation during the early overs, strategic accumulation through the middle overs and aggressive acceleration in the final stages. However, modern rule changes, such as the use of two new balls from each end, have significantly reduced reverse swing and made conditions more favourable for batting. Why the World Cup Still Matters Despite these challenges, one event continues to preserve the prestige of the format: the ODI World Cup. The tournament remains arguably the most historically significant competition in cricket.   Evolution Rather Than Extinction In practical terms, the complete disappearance of ODI cricket appears unlikely in the near future. The format still carries considerable commercial and historical value, particularly through global tournaments. What seems more probable is a gradual restructuring of the format’s role within international cricket. A Format at a Crossroads The debate surrounding ODI cricket reflects a broader transformation within the sport. As cricket adapts to changing audience preferences, commercial pressures and player workloads, maintaining equal prominence for all three formats has become increasingly difficult. While some former players warn that the 50-over format is heading towards a ‘slow death’, its legacy and the enduring prestige of the World Cup suggest that ODI cricket is more likely to evolve than disappear entirely. The real question facing the sport may not be whether ODI cricket will survive, but what role it will ultimately play in the future architecture of the game?

India working on logistics of Tahawwur Rana's extradition

  • PTI
  • Feb 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 18, 2025

Tahawwur Rana

Washington: India is working on the logistics of Tahawwur Rana's surrender and extradition from the US, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said, as President Donald Trump announced that his administration has given the go-ahead to extradite the 26/11 terror attack accused “to face justice".

“This is an issue on which the US authorities have taken very clear decisions. I think you've seen the President announce it himself from the White House podium" the decision of the US to extradite Rana, Misri said at a press conference here on Thursday.


During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved the extradition of "very evil" Tahawwur Rana, wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "to face justice in India”.


In response to a question by PTI on the timeframe by when Rana will be extradited to India, Misri said: "We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed. The two sides are in touch on this particular issue.”


The India-US joint statement issued during the Prime Minister's visit to the US notes that Modi and Trump reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world.

“They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021," the joint statement said.


“Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved," it said.


The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks.

"The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors,” the joint statement added.

Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles. He is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Speaking at the joint press meet, Trump said "Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice."


The extradition of Rana was cleared by the US Supreme Court in January as it rejected his review petition in the case.


India last month said it was working with American authorities for the early extradition of Rana.


"The US Supreme Court on January 21 declined to hear a petition from the accused. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.


In November 2012, Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman among the Pakistani group, was hanged to death in Yerawada Jail in Pune.

-PTI

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