Usman Khawaja, an Australian Test opener, thinks the development of T20 leagues worldwide and the busy international schedule are slowly killing off ODI cricket. Khawaja is the most recent cricketer to weigh in on the argument for or against 50-over cricket, following England’s Ben Stokes’ shocking announcement on Monday that he would be retiring from ODI play at the age of 31.
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Usman Khawaja, an Australian Test opener, thinks the development of T20 leagues worldwide and the busy international schedule are slowly killing off ODI cricket.
Usman Khawaja, an Australian Test opener, thinks the development of T20 leagues worldwide and the busy international schedule are slowly killing off ODI cricket. Khawaja is the most recent cricketer to weigh in on the argument for or against 50-over cricket, following England’s Ben Stokes’ shocking announcement on Monday that he would be retiring from ODI play at the age of 31.
Since making his ODI debut in 2013, Khawaja has played for Australia in 40 matches. On Friday in Brisbane, he told reporters, “I think personally one-day cricket is dying a slow death.”
Even I, personally, am probably not as interested in one-day cricket as I am in the World Cup, which I think is extremely entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Khawaja stated that with the T20 World Cup approaching, the 50-over format has recently lost its relevance.
Because of the T20 World Cup, it seems like it isn’t all that crucial right now, according to Khawaja.
“Something needs to give because you can’t play all the games in all three formats at once; you’ll have to choose and make a decision.” The 35-year-old was of the belief that Test cricket will remain the sport’s pinnacle despite a very packed international schedule.
“You’ve got Test cricket, which is the pinnacle, you’ve got T20 cricket, which is obviously loved by everyone, has leagues all over the world, and then there’s one-day cricket, which I feel like is maybe the third rated out of all of them,” he remarked.
Khawaja believes that while playing in three formats is not difficult for any cricketer, it is gradually wearing everyone down.
“Very difficult, but not impossible. Such a lot of travel. You truly aren’t at home if you’re playing all three game modes “said he.
“A lot of cricket is being played. Yes, I suppose you can pick and choose what you want to play in certain ways, but right now it can be quite difficult.” Wasim Akram, a legendary Pakistani speed bowler, also expressed his concerns and demanded that the ODI format be permanently abandoned by the game’s administration. Nasser Hussain, a former England captain, too criticised the packed cricket schedule.
