Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin has sounded a serious alarm about the future of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, warning that the format could face a “slow death” after the 2027 World Cup if urgent changes are not made. Ashwin’s concern stems from the growing dominance of T20 leagues and the enduring appeal of Test cricket, which together are squeezing the space for traditional 50‑over matches. With the 2027 tournament jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe expected to be the last major ODI event featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, there is real fear that interest in the format may dwindle once they retire.
Ashwin has highlighted how the current international calendar—with its frequent ICC events and overlapping formats—has diluted the uniqueness of ODI cricket. He pointed out that while formats like T20 offer fast entertainment and Test cricket holds on to its legacy appeal, ODIs are struggling to find their own identity in a crowded schedule. The former spinner also stressed that the constant revenue‑driven addition of tournaments has reduced the value of marquee events, urging cricket’s governing body to take a leaf from FIFA’s four‑year World Cup cycle to preserve enthusiasm and significance around major competitions.
More than nostalgia Ahwin’s critique touches on the long‑term sustainability of a format that once defined limited‑overs cricket. He warned that without reforms—such as limiting 50‑over events to the World Cup itself—ODIs risk losing fans, players and relevance in an era increasingly focused on shorter and more commercialised versions of the game. His call to action is a reminder that formats must evolve thoughtfully if they are to survive in the modern sporting landscape, rather than fade quietly into history.