ICC’s ‘master plan’ to change the face of cricket. (Photo- GETTY)
ICC’s Plan for Major Changes In Cricket: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering making some revolutionary changes in the cricket calendar and its format in the coming times, which can completely change the face of the game. These major changes include surprising proposals ranging from reducing the number of ODI matches to starting a new World T20 tournament on the lines of the Champions League. According to a report, these proposals will be seriously discussed among all the 12 full member countries in the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on July 8 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
ICC’s ‘master plan’ to change the face of cricket
Actually, keeping in mind the future of the game, ICC has entrusted the work to American consulting firm McKinsey. This entire blueprint is part of that strategic review. Amidst the growing dominance of T20 cricket, ICC is finding ways to keep the Test and ODI formats alive and make the game popular at the global level through these unique ideas. Cricket may be one of the most popular sports in the world, but there are challenges in making it a global game. The scope of cricket has increased in small countries, but their long-term sustainability is still not certain.
The biggest blow will fall on ODI cricket!
After the arrival of T20, the interest and excitement of fans in 50 over matches is continuously decreasing. In such a situation, it is believed that the first blow of this change will fall on ODI cricket only. In future, instead of organizing ODI cricket continuously, its organization can be limited to just 18 months before the 50-over World Cup. Let us tell you, ODI World Cup is played once in 4 years, hence after the World Cup, ODI cricket will not be played for about two and a half years.
Will a new T20 tournament start?
In view of the increasing craze for T20 cricket, ICC is also considering starting a new Globe Franchise tournament. This could be like the old ‘Champions League T20’, where top teams from leagues around the world will clash with each other. Apart from this, there is also a plan to increase the number of continental tournaments like Asia Cup and fix separate windows in the calendar for all three formats.
3 new teams will join WTC
ICC is preparing to expand the World Test Championship to promote Test cricket. In the next WTC cycle to be held between 2027 and 2029, the number of teams can be increased to 12. Under this big decision, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan can get direct entry in the World Test Championship.
