The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering reviving the ODI Super League to revive interest in the 50-plus format. The proposal was discussed at the ICC’s recent quarterly meeting and was the first step towards reintroducing the competition that was halted after the 2023 World Cup.
Notably, the ICC had launched the ODI Super League in 2020 as a qualifying route for the 2023 World Cup in India. The thirteen-team competition, including twelve full members and the Netherlands, was halted after just one cycle due to a crowded calendar and clashes with international commitments.
ICC revives ODI Super League to revive 50-over cricket
During the ODI Super League, each team had to play eight series of three matches, four at home and four away. The top seven teams earned direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup, while the remaining teams participated in additional qualifying tournaments.
However, the growth of T20 cricket and the increasing dominance of franchise leagues has left little room for other formats in the international calendar. According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC is considering reviving the Super League with a new and more sustainable structure.
The revised format could include modified windows to avoid overlap with T20 tournaments and provide a more balanced playing field for all countries. Notably, the International Cricket Council is also exploring the possibility of using the revived competition as a direct qualification pathway for the 2031 ODI World Cup.
ICC’s proposal to revive the ODI Super League lacks clarity on the number of teams
The ICC’s proposal to revive the ODI Super League does not yet provide clarity on how many teams would participate. Notably, the competition is expected to return from 2028.
An official told ESPNcricinfo that the initiative aims to restore cricket’s relevance to the over-50s by giving it a stronger structure rather than replacing it altogether.
“The Super League could help revive the 50-plus format. Perhaps the problem isn’t that the format is necessarily dead; it’s finding the right structure,” said one administrator, quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Despite these discussions, the governing body is not currently considering expanding the World Cup format beyond 14 teams, which will be implemented in 2027, after including just ten in recent editions.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli finished as the Leading Run-Getters in the 2023 ODI World Cup
India, led by Rohit Sharma, finished second at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Men in Blue dominated the group stage and reached the knockout stages undefeated. They defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
However, the team failed to defeat Pat Cummins-led Australia in the summit match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli finished as the top two run-getters in the tournament.
Kohli scored 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32, including three centuries. He also won the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches at an average of 54.27 and a strike rate of 125.95, with a century to his name.
Also read: Virat Kohli blocks BCCI, Rohit Sharma surrenders to selectors’ demands! What is the future?
#Virat #Kohli #Rohit #Sharma #ICC #tournament #World #Cup