Sports
‘I’m Not Too Sure About ODI Cricket…’: R Ashwin’s Blunt Remark Sparks Fresh Debate Over the Format’s Future
Former India star Ravichandran Ashwin believes T20 cricket is driving the sport’s global growth and Olympic ambitions, but his candid comments on the future of One-Day Internationals have reignited discussions across the cricketing world.
As cricket continues to evolve in the modern era, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a thought-provoking assessment of where the sport may be headed next.
Speaking after the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 Player Draft, Ashwin suggested that T20 cricket is firmly positioned as the game’s future, while admitting he is uncertain about the long-term relevance of One-Day International (ODI) cricket.
The veteran cricketer, who serves as captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians, believes the shortest international format has become the most effective vehicle for expanding cricket’s global reach.
Why Ashwin Believes T20 Is Leading the Way
According to Ashwin, the appeal of T20 cricket lies in its accessibility and entertainment value.
With matches completed in just a few hours, the format is easier for new audiences to embrace and offers a practical pathway for cricket’s growth in emerging markets. Ashwin also highlighted the importance of T20 cricket in relation to the sport’s Olympic ambitions.
ALSO READ : “Selection matters… think what’s best for Indian cricket”: Sanjay Manjrekar’s blunt message sparks Rohit Sharma–Jaiswal debate
As cricket prepares for its return to the Olympic Games, shorter formats are widely viewed as more suitable for the global sporting stage.
Ashwin argued that if cricket aims to establish a stronger international footprint beyond its traditional strongholds, T20 cricket will play a central role in that expansion.
Adaptability Remains the Key
While emphasizing the importance of T20 cricket, Ashwin also stressed that players must continue developing the ability to adapt to different conditions and situations.
He pointed to India’s recent T20I series against Ireland as an example of how changing playing conditions can influence even the shortest format of the game.
According to the former spinner, adaptability remains one of the most important qualities in modern cricket, regardless of whether a player competes in T20s, ODIs, or Test matches.
His comments reflect a broader belief that successful cricketers must constantly evolve as conditions, tactics, and formats continue to change.
Franchise Cricket’s Growing Influence
Ashwin also acknowledged the increasing impact of franchise-based tournaments around the world.
Leagues across various countries have transformed the cricketing landscape by creating opportunities for players, coaches, and emerging talent. He believes these competitions will continue to strengthen the sport by exposing a wider pool of cricketers to high-level competition.
The growth of franchise cricket, Ashwin suggested, is helping create a larger and more competitive talent base while simultaneously increasing the global visibility of the game.
A Question Mark Over ODI Cricket
Despite his optimism about T20 cricket’s future, it was Ashwin’s comments on ODI cricket that attracted the most attention.
The 38-year-old openly questioned whether the 50-over format can maintain its relevance in an increasingly crowded cricket calendar dominated by T20 leagues and global tournaments.
His remarks echo concerns that have surfaced repeatedly in recent years, with many observers debating whether ODI cricket can continue to occupy a meaningful place between the traditional challenge of Test cricket and the fast-paced excitement of T20s.
While Ashwin stopped short of predicting the format’s decline, his statement has once again sparked discussion about the future structure of international cricket.
The Bigger Picture
For now, ODI cricket remains a major part of the sport, with prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup continuing to attract huge audiences worldwide.
However, Ashwin’s comments highlight a reality many within the cricket community are already considering: the sport is changing rapidly, and T20 cricket appears to be at the center of that transformation.
Whether ODI cricket adapts and thrives or gradually loses ground remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — according to Ravichandran Ashwin, the future of cricket is increasingly being shaped by the shortest format of the game.
