Global Giants: The Impact of ICC Rankings on World Cricket

Just like FIFA ranks football teams globally, Cricket also has its own ranking system - the ICC Rankings. These rankings are overseen by the International Cricket Council (ICC) who categorize and compare national teams across Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

However, beyond bragging rights, ICC rankings significantly influence everything about the sports from qualification for major tournaments to financial rewards. Let's delve into the ICC ranking system and its influence. Additionally, with the Men's T20 National Championship 2024 around the corner, we will discuss how to bet ICC 2024 on top betting platforms like Odds96.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

The Stratification System of Cricket Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings act as a global yardstick for measuring the strengths of national cricket teams. ICC ranking is divided into team and player rankings. Let’s discuss them in depth:

1. Team Rankings (Test, ODI, T20)

Team rankings involve evaluating and comparing the performance of international cricket teams across the three different formats of the game: Test matches, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 matches.

Test Rankings

Test matches are the longest and most traditional format of cricket games and their ranking is the pinnacle of cricketing achievement. ICC test rankings assess the performance of national teams in the game. Points are usually awarded according to the outcome of a Test series, with the winner earning more points than the loser. The team with the most points at any point in time sits atop the Test rankings.

ODI Rankings

One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is a shorter, faster-paced format where each team plays a limited number of overs (50) and the match is completed in one day. The ODI ranking system operates similarly to the Test rankings, as points are awarded based on series victories. This system allows for a more dynamic ranking because of the higher frequency of ODI matches compared to Tests.

T20I Rankings

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) are the shortest format, where each team plays a maximum of 20 overs (sets of six balls) and aims to score as many runs as possible in a short time. They also have their own unique ranking system. Here, the ICC awards points to the participating teams based on individual match results, with more points given for winning a series. This system has quicker fluctuations in rankings, showing its fast-paced nature.

2. Player Rankings (Batsmen, Bowlers, All-rounders)

Player rankings are the ICC's system for assessing and ranking individual cricket players based on their performance in batting, bowling, and all-round abilities across different formats of the game.

Batsmen Rankings

The ICC ranks batsmen based on individual performances in batting across Test, ODI, and T20 formats. Factors like runs scored, opposition strength, and the match context are used to rank them.

Bowlers Rankings

Just like batsmen rankings, ICC ranks bowlers based on their wicket-taking abilities, economy rates, and performances against strong batting line-ups.

All-rounders Rankings

These rankings consider the overall contributions of players who can bowl and bat, providing a balanced measure of their impact on the game.

Now that you know the ICC ranking structure, what is their impact on world cricket? Let’s take a look at how these rankings influence international teams, players, and fans worldwide.

How ICC Rankings Impact International Teams

ICC rankings hold significant sway over international cricket teams. These rankings are more than just a measure of success; they influence strategy, team selection, and motivation. High rankings are a source of national pride and as in other games like Basketball and football, they attract sponsorship deals and funding at home and abroad.

Moreover, the rankings determine tournament qualifications and seedings. Highly ranked teams usually secure automatic qualifications for major tournaments. For instance, the top eight teams from the 2022 ICC Men's T20I tournament qualified automatically for the Men's T20 National Championship 2024 tournament. The remaining two automatic qualification places were also taken by the best-ranked teams in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings who couldn’t secure a spot in the finals.

Overall, ICC ranking encourages teams to maintain or improve their rankings through consistent performance.

How ICC Rankings Impact Cricket Players

For individual players, ICC rankings benchmark their performance and skill. Batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders are ranked based on their performances in international matches. Everyone knows Ronaldo (the most popular footballer), and LeBron James (the most popular basketball player). Similarly, high rankings can boost a player's career, leading to increased recognition, lucrative endorsement deals, and better contracts. For instance, Virat Kohli is a top-ranked batsman in ICC Cricket rankings and is highly sought after in national and international leagues.

Additionally, players use these rankings as motivation. Being ranked among the best in the world is a significant achievement that drives players to continuously improve their skills and performances. The competition for top spot rankings results in thrilling individual battles on the field, captivating audiences which keeps the sport dynamic and competitive.

How ICC Rankings Impact Cricket Fans and Sports Betting

ICC rankings are crucial for fans, especially those engaged in online cricket betting. Bettors use these rankings to inform their betting decisions, as they provide a reliable measure of team and player performance.

For instance, knowing the top-ranked team or player can influence bettors' decisions on how to bet on ICC matches.

Moreover, ICC rankings also influence betting odds, a fundamental aspect of sports betting. A highly ranked team or player usually has lower odds, reflecting their higher chances of winning. This is particularly relevant in online cricket betting, where people place wagers on various possible outcomes, from match results to individual performances.

Where to bet on ICC cricket Matches in India?

There are many exciting ICC cricket matches lined up for 2024. For those looking to bet on ICC cricket matches in India, Odds96 is a top choice. This platform offers comprehensive ICC betting online, providing competitive cricket odds for every major cricket match like the Men's T20 National Championship 2024 which will kickstart on June 1, 2024.

As an online cricket betting site, Odds96.in ensures a user-friendly experience, letting you easily bet on ICC matches. You can also follow ICC cricket live updates and live score cricket ICC to make informed bets. Whether you’re tracking ICC cricket live in India or seeking the latest cricket Odds, Odds96 is a reliable betting site for all your India bet cricket needs.