(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri, in a recent episode of the Club Prairie Fire podcast, emphasized the need for changes in the ODI format to maintain its relevance in the evolving world.
Shastri, joined by former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, expressed concerns about the declining popularity of ODI cricket due to its extended duration.
“It (One-day format) has to evolve, changes have to be made,” said Shastri on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
Reflecting on the evolution of the game, Shastri suggested a reduction in the number of overs from 50 to 40 to address the diminishing attention span of modern spectators, particularly among the younger audience. He highlighted that when India won the World Cup in 1983, it was a 60-over game, and changes over time have been necessary.
“When we (India) won the world cup in 1983, it was a 60 overs (per side) game. It changed to 50 overs (per side). You’ve got to evolve with the time. The attention time of a spectator is diminishing,” he added.
Shastri argued that a 40-over game would align ODIs with the pace of other formats like T20 cricket, making it more appealing to fans.
“The way forward would be a 40-over game which would still keep the one-day format on par with the other formats. I see it with the crowd. They wait to see what happens at the toss.
“If their (a fan’s) favourite team is batting, they will rush to the ground, will watch 10 or 15 overs of the second innings and they’re off. If it’s the other way around – India batting second, it’s hot. I am going to ground at 5 o’clock to see the last 10-12 overs of the first innings and then I want to see my team bat,” Shastri stated.
The 61-year-old further pointed out that the modern generation, with everything available on their phones, lacks the time or inclination to invest eight hours in watching a full ODI match.
“It’s the attention span amongst the youngsters that’s changing. They don’t have eight hours of time to watch cricket. Especially when you’ve everything on your mobile these days. They choose the right time to go (to venues),” the 1983 World Cup winner asserted.
He concluded by stressing the need to revisit cricketing rules to meet the demands of the modern world, where a fast-paced and thrilling experience is preferred by fans.
“The best way would be curtail it to 40 overs and get on with it. And make it quick. When there’s a rain delay, start from when the rain stopped instead of adding that one-two hour. You’ve got to revisit the rule and see what the modern world demands. They want it quick and fast, and exciting.”