Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns about the future of One-Day Internationals (ODIs), criticizing the rules of using two new balls and allowing five fielders outside the circle. He believes these changes have diminished the competition between bat and ball, particularly affecting the role of spin bowling and reverse swing. Ashwin argues that these regulations emerged to counter India’s spin dominance and are contributing to a decline in ODI excitement and engagement compared to T20Is. He questions the relevance of 50-over cricket in today’s game, especially with only 33 ODIs scheduled for 2025.
Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed worries about the future of ODI cricket.© AFP
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin opposes the use of two new balls and the provision of five fielders outside the circle in One-Day Internationals. He has called on the ICC to eliminate these rules to create a more balanced contest between bat and ball. He voiced his concerns over the future of ODI cricket if these regulations persist. “Before the Afghanistan versus England match, I found myself questioning the viability of ODI cricket. To be frank, in T20Is, crowd involvement is substantial, and viewership is high since they conclude within four hours. I believe Test cricket will flourish even more once the domestic structures of teams like Afghanistan improve,” Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.
Ashwin pointed out that the rule was implemented to diminish India’s spin advantage during the middle overs.
“However, in ODIs, there is no real competition. Until 2013-14, ODI cricket was conducted with one ball. Prior to 2015, a new rule was introduced allowing five fielders in the circle, along with the introduction of two balls. I think that this rule was intended to counteract India’s spin dominance. That’s just my perspective,” he added.
Ashwin further emphasized how the two new ball rule has eradicated the element of reverse swing from ODIs. He also believes that the ICC is nearing a decision about the future of ODI cricket.
“I think this is having a significant impact on the game because reverse swing has vanished. The significance of finger spin has diminished as well. The 50-over World Cup (2027) in South Africa will pose a considerable challenge for the ICC. A decision is on the horizon since the game is progressing slowly. It’s meandering. I question: is there still a role for 50-over cricket in today’s landscape?”
“Until this Afghanistan vs England match, this Champions Trophy felt incredibly monotonous. There was a time when one-day cricket was played with a red ball. It’s time to seriously reconsider this particular format of the game,” Ashwin remarked.
Currently, only 33 ODIs are set to be scheduled by full ICC members in 2025, following the ongoing Champions Trophy.
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