Mumbai, India: As the cricketing world debates the future of various formats, John Buchanan, the former head coach of Australia, has voiced his concern over the growing dominance of T20 leagues. The legendary coach, who guided Australia to two consecutive ODI World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, is appealing to the incoming ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, to safeguard the One Day International (ODI) format.
Buchanan’s call to action comes at a crucial time, as 35-year-old Jay Shah, currently the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to take over as the ICC Chairman on December 1. Shah will become the youngest leader to hold this prestigious position, bringing new expectations and challenges.
During a recent event in Mumbai, Buchanan emphasized the need for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make strategic decisions that will benefit the long-term future of the sport. He expressed his concern that the rise of T20, T10, and other short-format leagues could overshadow the traditional forms of cricket, particularly ODIs.
“The ICC, under Jay Shah’s leadership, needs to take careful, long-term decisions for the future of the game,” Buchanan remarked. “We are witnessing the rapid expansion of T20 and other shorter leagues. While these formats attract young fans and players, they shouldn’t come at the expense of the formats that have shaped cricket’s legacy.”
Despite acknowledging the popularity of shorter formats among the younger generation, Buchanan stressed the importance of Test cricket, calling it the “true essence” of the sport. He believes that Test cricket forms the foundation of the game and that its preservation is essential for maintaining the sport’s integrity.
However, Buchanan also highlighted the critical role of ODIs in the cricketing landscape. He described the 50-over format as a necessary bridge between Test and T20 cricket, helping players maintain a balance between the two extremes.
“Test cricket is the bedrock of the game,” Buchanan said. “But the ODI format is crucial as it connects the traditional long format with the modern short format. Without ODIs, players are left juggling only the two extremes, which could impact the quality of the game.”
Buchanan urged the ICC to consider the implications of approving more short-format leagues, suggesting that a more measured approach could help keep ODIs relevant. He believes that if too many leagues are sanctioned, it could dilute the talent pool and reduce the quality of international cricket.
With Jay Shah poised to take charge of the ICC, Buchanan’s appeal highlights the growing concerns within the cricketing community. As the sport continues to evolve, the decisions made by the ICC will be crucial in shaping the future of all three formats.
