AHMEDABAD: Ticketing chaos.Visa points for Pakistani followers and journalists. Final-minute schedule adjustments. Regardless of a number of organizational blips, which included the match opener between England and New Zealand being performed to huge empty galleries on the Narendra Modi Stadium, the lads’s ODI World Cup 2023 appeared to have handed an acid take a look at.
With inspirational performances from less-established groups like Afghanistan, who notched up 4 wins from 9 video games and beat three former world champions – England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – and virtually beat Australia in Mumbai, the match picked up tempo and curiosity after the primary week.
The Netherlands too shocked South Africa and that solely added to the attract of the round-robin stage. Whereas defending champions England limped out of the occasion and didn’t make the semis, taking part in an uncharacteristically timid model of cricket, sub-continental giants Pakistan, who performed on Indian soil for the primary time in seven years, imploded due to their bowling.
Sure, the tip was bitterly disappointing for India as they misplaced to Australia by six wickets right here, however the best way the host nation performed until the semifinal, successful 10 matches in a row, stored the anticipation and curiosity ranges excessive. The nation was hooked to Virat Kohli’s fiftieth ODI ton, that took him previous Indian nice Sachin Tendulkar. Additionally, in a land that has produced champion batters, it was India’s bowlers – particularly the pacers – that led the cost to the ultimate.
Whereas there have been many one-sided contests – thanks to groups with powerhouse batting lineups notching up big scores after which bowling sides out cheaply – the prospect of watching a correct contest between bat and ball received over. The joys of watching established Take a look at gamers achieve a format that’s being performed much less and fewer – and therefore proving tougher to crack – stored followers engaged.
The truth that gamers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock topped the run-scoring charts and bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah featured within the top-wicket-taker’s charts confirmed that ODIs, as a format, might be mastered by gamers who’re at house in Take a look at cricket.
With all bilateral ODIs being restricted to a most of three-match collection and multi-team tournaments just like the annual triangular in Sharjah or Australia vanishing from the calendars, T20 leagues have gotten an opportunity to mushroom and siphon off expertise. Gamers like Kiwi pacer Trent Boult have opted to not signal a nationwide contract and switch a free agent. But, nation versus nation in a match that comes round as soon as in 4 years is what will get followers and gamers excited.
“That is big. The head of worldwide cricket, successful a One-Day World Cup. Particularly over right here in India,” mentioned victorious Aussie skipper Pat Cummins and reiterated that he had “fallen in love with ODIs once more” throughout this World Cup.
There have been epic comebacks, just like the one Australia staged on the Wankhede in opposition to Afghanistan, as Glenn Maxwell, on one leg, smashed the first-ever double hundred in a run-chase. There have been close to heists like New Zealand staged in opposition to the Aussies in Dharamshala, the place they almost chased down 388 and fell 5 runs brief, guaranteeing bums on seats and eyes on the TV or cellphones.
That over a million individuals watched the sport from the stands in a match stretching to 48 matches proved that in India, ODI cricket nonetheless has relevance, particularly in match play. “I believe the situation the place each sport actually issues, it does make it a bit completely different to only a bilateral ODI. The World Cup’s bought such wealthy historical past, I am positive it is going to be round for a very long time,” confused Cummins.
Earlier than the ultimate in opposition to Australia, India skipper Rohit Sharma too confused how he has grown up watching 50-over World Cups and the way this was the most important occasion for him.
Former gamers like Ravi Shastri, although, really feel that the format is simply too lengthy and need ODIs diminished to 40 overs a facet. Sachin Tendulkar desires the 50-over format to remain however desires it to be divided into 4 quarters of 25 overs every. Nonetheless, Virender Sehwag, through the ICC Corridor of Fame awards in Mumbai final fortnight, mentioned there was no have to tinker with the format.
“Why ought to the format be modified? If individuals need a shorter sport, they’ll watch T20. Why destroy this format,” he requested.
The ICC assembly scheduled in Ahmedabad, the place the stakeholders shall be discussing the best way ahead for the ODIs, will provide insights. Possibly, taking part in bilateral ODIs solely within the 12 months of ODI World Cups could possibly be an concept they may wish to think about.
