'Respect Wasim Bhai's Opinion, But He Has 500 Wickets In ODIs Only': Ex-PAK Captain On Wasim Akram's 'Format Is Dying' Remark

Concerns over the ODI format’s future have been building over the previous few weeks. Former and present cricket players have frequently discussed how it is challenging for them to watch a complete fifty-over match.

Wasim Akram, a former Pakistan captain and legendary bowler, also said that one-day cricket is turning into a “drag” and that the format is “kind of dying.” India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had previously stated that he “switches off the TV after a point of time” while watching a one-day match. 

Ben Stokes’ abrupt departure from ODIs fueled the discussion about the format’s future even further. Stokes claimed that he finds it “unsustainable” to commit to the fifty-over game due to his tiredness from playing in all three forms and his busy schedule. 

Money Major Difference Between ODI’s And T20I’s: Salman Butt

Salman Butt, a former Pakistan captain who spoke extensively about the format on his YouTube channel, is one of the voices hopeful about the future of ODIs. 

“There are players who pick and choose. The major difference between ODIs and T20Is is that the latter has leagues, there is more money there. They don’t want to leave it. One-dayers have big tournaments but there are no leagues in it.

“So, if someone is facing exhaustion with the packed schedule, they prefer to retire from ODIs. This way, they can have a cash-rich option in T20s and the long format one in Tests,” Butt said. 

“One-day is one of the pillars of cricket. I would never want it to end. Many players have big records in this format. There was a time when a world champion was only recognized through one-dayers.” 

Salman Butt Shares Remarks On Wasim Akram’s Comments

Butt also addressed Wasim Akram’s comments, stating that while he respects the former Pakistani captain’s viewpoint, his record 502 wickets came only in one-day internationals (ODIs). 

“It is a blend of both, the longer format and the shorter format. It’s a central test of skill and adaptability. So, I believe it should stay. I respect all other opinions. 

“Wasim bhai is our legend. Who are we to say anything to him. I respect his opinion, but he also has 500 wickets in ODIs only.

“The two deliveries he bowled in the World Cup that everyone remembers.. you won’t see them in T20s. There’s not enough time in that format. He was the man of the match in the World Cup final,” said Butt. 

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