The cricketing community is abuzz with speculation that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy, an esteemed 50-over cricket tournament, may undergo a radical transformation. The Guardian has sourced information suggesting a potential shift to make the tournament a T20 affair. Broadcast giant Disney Star, which secured broadcasting rights for a multitude of ICC events over the next few years, is reportedly keen on converting the next Champions Trophy into an 8-team, 20-overs competition. This development comes even as teams such as England and Sri Lanka vie for spots in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
The Champions Trophy holds a cherished place in cricket’s history and is slated for two editions, one in 2025 and the other in 2029, accompanying an already packed international calendar marked by T20 and 50-over World Cups. Cricket enthusiasts and stat buffs regularly flock to the ongoing World Cup section to follow the action, stay updated with the top scorers, highest wicket-takers, upcoming fixtures, and points table – a testament to the enduring appeal of one-day internationals.
Disney Star’s acquisition of the ICC broadcast rights for the Indian market from 2024 to 2027 was a staggering deal, rumored to be around USD 3 billion. The ICC events in this period include two T20 World Cups, two World Test Championship finals, a Champions Trophy, and a 50-over World Cup, with the women’s and U-19 events also featuring prominently.
However, murmurs of change—and consequent concern—within the cricketing fraternity have emerged. If indeed the ICC heads down the T20 path for the Champions Trophy, the move begs several questions. How will the current 50-over World Cup determine qualification for a T20 tournament? Does this signal the end of ODI cricket as we know it, possibly phasing out bilateral ODIs altogether? Sources from broadcasters told The Guardian that this could signify the “death” of the one-day format, raising alarm across the cricketing spectrum.
Powerhouses in cricket may find it easier to pivot to the new format, but what about emerging teams like Afghanistan, who have steadily built their reputation in the 50-over game? The Afghan team has shown promise in this ODI World Cup in India, putting forth an unexpected challenge to more established teams. Amid these whispers of change, the Afghan team’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, was asked about their prospects under the shadow of a contracting ODI landscape and their path forward.
In response to the query on the future of his team’s performance in ODIs, Shahidi emphasized a continued commitment to the 50-over game and voiced hope and expectation for more ODI matches allocated by the ICC. He acknowledged the proliferation of T20 leagues, but underlined that the essence of the game still lies within the traditional formats of Test and 50-over cricket. Strongly advocating for the survival of ODIs, Shahidi expressed his anticipation for the ICC to engage Afghanistan in more series to further elevate their standing in the cricket world. With eyes set towards the upcoming Champions Trophy, the team awaits pivotal decisions that could redefine the landscape of international cricket.
As the cricket community juggles the prospect of a significant shift, the ICC’s decision is not just about transforming a tournament; it is about shaping the future direction of the sport, balancing the entertainment quotient with the legacy of traditional formats. The ICC’s ultimate resolution stands to impact the strategic permutations of cricket boards, the aspirations of players, and the fabric of cricket fandom worldwide.