MCC Proposes Reduction Of Bilateral ODIs After 2027 World Cup - Reports

Published - 12 Jul 2023, 12:19 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: England Captain Eoin Morgan lifts the World Cup with the England team after victory for England during the Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between New Zealand and England at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Marylebone Cricket Club’s World Cricket Committee has suggested significant changes to the ODI format following the completion of the 2027 World Cup. The committee recommended reducing the number of men’s bilateral ODI matches following the World Cup.

The MCC’s WCC, led by former England captain Mike Gatting and comprising cricket figures like former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, Jhulan Goswami, and others, gathered at Lord’s before the second Ashes Test to evaluate the current condition of international cricket.

MCC Suggests Changes To ODI Cricket

According to a press note released by the MCC on Tuesday, the committee has raised concerns about the role of ODIs outside of World Cups. They have suggested the elimination of bilateral ODIs, except for those scheduled within one year before each World Cup.

“The suggestion is that a scarcity of ODI cricket would increase the quality, achieved by removing bilateral ODIs, other than in the one-year preceding each World Cup.

“This would, as a consequence, also create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar,” MCC has said in one of its recommendations to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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The growing popularity of franchise leagues in cricket is posing challenges for international cricket boards as players like Jason Roy and Trent Boult prioritize their participation in these leagues over international commitments.

Additionally, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are expanding their presence by acquiring teams in other leagues in the world. The teams are exploring the possibility of signing players to exclusive contracts for their franchises.

Funds For Test Cricket And Women’s Cricket

Smaller cricketing nations are struggling to afford to host Test matches, leading to a call from the MCC for the ICC to conduct an audit and establish a Test fund. The committee has highlighted the widening gap between nations and the current system’s bias towards dominant teams.

“In many ways, cricket is growing and, on the surface, seems financially strong. However, we are increasingly seeing a game which focuses on a powerful few, as opposed to a democratic and inclusive approach for the benefit of the whole sport,” Gatting said.

“It’s time for the global game to reset. Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations, versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation.”

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The World Cricket Committee has recommended the establishment of a “substantial and ringfenced fund” to support the growth of women’s cricket.

The money from which can be “allocated on a required basis to full member and associate nations who, amongst other key initiatives, fully commit to their women’s pathway and national team. The WCC also believes that in order to qualify as a full ICC member, each nation must be required to commit to investing in both men’s and women’s cricket and field a national women’s team,” he added.

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