3 Key Steps ICC Must Take to Make ODI Cricket Relevant Again

One Day International Cricket has become a huge talking point. The series between Sri Lanka and India was the only top ODI series played during the year. Nearly all of the top sides have been training their guns on the T20I format or Test cricket in 2024. 

The next big assignment in the fifty-over format is the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. The top 8 sides will play in the tournament with Pakistan as the defending champions. Post the tournament, most of the teams will focus on Test cricket and the 20-over format to prepare for the T20 World Cup in 2026. 

As the clamour begins for more ODI cricket to be played, the ICC needs to take steps to make it relevant again. Many former experts and cricket lovers are asking the Apex Cricket Body to do something about the dying format as T20 cricket takes precedence. 

Here are the top 3 ways to make ODI Cricket relevant again

3- Introduction of Impact rule 

One of the ways ICC can make ODI cricket relevant again is by introducing the impact player rule. This will not only bring new excitement to the format but also keep the fans engrossed in ODI cricket. This rule could also help some of the key stars to prolong their careers in the fifty-over format and make it more marketable. The impact player rule has been a topic of debate in the IPL but one cannot deny that it has been a great addition to make the league more exciting. 

2- Revert to one-new ball rule 

There is no doubt that the introduction of two new balls has made ODI cricket batter dominate. The role of reverse swing has been thrown out of the window and the bowlers have started to suffer. If ICC wants to make ODI cricket relevant again, they need to bring back the one-new ball rule. The bowlers will get more out of the old ball and also the batters will have to play well to make runs on the board. 

1- Re-introduction of Tri-series 

One of the best ways ICC can make ODI cricket relevant again is by asking the Cricket Boards to play more TRI-series. Australia, England, and India can lead the way by hosting Tri-series ODI tournaments. Such tournaments were fun as well as engrossing for most of the fans who wanted to see their favourite teams make it to the finals and win the tournament.