Lalit Modi reignited the debate on the future of cricket with a bold call to scrap ODI cricket altogether, arguing that the format has lost its relevance in the modern game. The former IPL founder believes the sport should move forward with a clearer identity, built on the legacy of Test cricket and the explosive appeal of T20.
With the cricket calendar rapidly evolving and attention already shifting to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Modi’s remarks come at a time when the format is increasingly being questioned. In an interview with Sportstar, he made it clear that while Tests must remain intact, ODIs no longer fit the future of the sport.
“Test cricket should always remain; we should drop ODIs and keep T20s. Kerry Packer has done a great job in reviving one-dayers and I salute him, but the time for ODIs is over. Test cricket should move to a day-night format. But I see absolutely no threat to IPL from other leagues,” Modi said.
IS ODI CRICKET DYING?
The sentiment is not entirely new. Ravichandran Ashwin asked earlier whether ODI cricket will survive beyond the 2027 World Cup, pointing to changing audience behavior and the rise of franchise leagues.
The numbers tell their own story. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup, India have played 22 T20Is in just five months, underscoring where the priority lies. In contrast, the team is currently scheduled to play just 18 ODIs in the entire build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting how condensed the format has become.
There was a time when ODI cricket was the heart of the sport. It brought color, innovation and a new audience. Today it feels caught in between, not quite traditional like Tests, not quite electric like T20.
The modern fan has changed. The attention span is shorter, the anticipation sharper. T20 cricket offers instant gratification, while Tests offer depth and story. Stuck in the middle, ODIs often struggle to deliver either consistently.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACING ODI CRICKET?
- Press scheduling: T20 leagues and busy calendars leave little room
- Declining engagement: Bilateral ODIs fail to maintain consistent viewership
- Rise of Franchise Cricket: T20 leagues dominate global attention
- World Cup Addiction: The format survives mostly in ICC tournaments
- Limited playing time: Teams are playing fewer ODIs despite the big events ahead
As the countdown to the ODI World Cup 2027 continues, the format still has its biggest stage intact. But beyond that, the conversation is getting louder. As Modi’s comments show, this is no longer just a debate about formats. It’s a matter of direction.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
07 Apr 2026 13:20 IST
