The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring a radical overhaul of the global cricket calendar, with proposals including a World Club T20 competition and reducing One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to 40 overs per side, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
World Club T20 Competition Gaining Momentum
The proposed World Club T20 tournament would feature the top franchise teams from domestic leagues around the world, such as the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, and Caribbean Premier League. The event is seen as a potential revenue driver and could be held in a window similar to the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sources indicate that the ICC board has discussed the concept informally, with a focus on creating a marquee event that consolidates the growing popularity of T20 franchise cricket. However, no formal proposal has been tabled yet.
Shorter ODIs to Boost Appeal
Another key proposal is reducing ODIs from the traditional 50 overs to 40 overs per side. The change is aimed at making the format more dynamic and appealing to broadcasters and younger audiences, who have increasingly gravitated toward T20 cricket.
According to an ICC insider, “The 40-over format has been discussed as a way to differentiate ODIs from T20s while still offering a shorter, more exciting product. It could also help fit more matches into a congested calendar.”
The ICC has not officially confirmed the proposal, but it is understood that the idea has been raised in working groups examining the future of the sport.
Impact on Existing Formats
The potential changes come amid concerns about the sustainability of the international cricket calendar, which currently features three formats: Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is. The proliferation of domestic T20 leagues has led to player availability issues and scheduling conflicts.
If adopted, the 40-over ODI format would represent the first major alteration to the 50-over game since the 1990s. Critics argue it could dilute the integrity of the format, while supporters believe it is necessary to keep pace with changing viewer habits.
The World Club T20, meanwhile, could rival the ICC World T20 (now T20 World Cup) and raise questions about the primacy of national teams in the shortest format.
Next Steps
The ICC is expected to discuss these proposals further at its next board meeting in November. Any changes would require approval from the full ICC Council and are unlikely to be implemented before 2028.
An ICC spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics, saying only that “the ICC is constantly reviewing the cricket calendar to ensure the sport remains vibrant and sustainable for future generations.”
