ODI Cricket World Cup: The Undisputed Crown Amidst Format Challenges – An Analytical Perspective Post-2023"

Sports Law

Cricket, one of the most globally celebrated sports, is played across numerous nations and uniquely distinguishes itself through its diverse formats. Test cricket, the oldest and most revered form, epitomizes the classical essence and pinnacle of the game. In stark contrast, T20 cricket, a modern innovation tailored to the fast-paced lifestyle of contemporary audiences, has emerged as a lucrative spectacle. Bridging these extremes is the fifty-over format, commonly known as One Day Internationals (ODIs). Once a primary revenue generator, the ODI format has witnessed a significant decline in popularity since the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Over the subsequent eight years, the rapid ascent of franchise cricket has increasingly overshadowed international formats, relegating ODIs to a diminished priority within the cricketing hierarchy. Despite these challenges, the 13th edition of the ODI Cricket World Cup, which commenced on October 5, 2023, in India, has once again captivated the world with cricket fever. This prompts the question: does the 50-over World Cup still retain its status as the premier event amid growing uncertainties about the format? This paper traces the journey of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, from its inception with the first match in 1971 to its peak popularity and the subsequent decline in recent years. The research examines how the World Cup tournament has evolved over time, highlighting its revolutionary changes while maintaining its position as the most prestigious trophy in the sport. Additionally, the study delves into iconic matches, team performances, and individual records that have become milestones in the ODI format. It also explores the factors contributing to the declining popularity of ODI cricket over the past decade and proposes actionable strategies for the International Cricket Council (ICC) and member boards to ensure the format's sustainability in challenging times. Key Words: One-Day Internationals, World Cup, ICC, T20 Cricket, Test Cricket

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