Removing unnecessary 50-over internationals from jam-packed schedules is the best way to safeguard the future of Test cricket according to the MCC‘s World Cricket Committee, which has called for a game wide “reset” of priorities.
The 13-member committee, which includes former Australian coach Justin Langer and is led by former England captain Mike Gatting, met during the recent Ashes Test at Lord’s and decided that in a world of growing franchise T20 tournaments, ODI cricket should be reduced after the 2027 World Cup.
In an effort to get more countries playing and hosting Test cricket, which can be financially crippling for some, Gatting and the committee concluded that removing bilateral ODIs would “also create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar”.
“In many ways, cricket is growing and, on the surface, seems financially strong. However, we are increasingly seeing a game which focuses on a powerful few, as opposed to a democratic and inclusive approach for the benefit of the whole sport,” Gatting said.
“It‘s time for the global game to reset. Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation.
“We are currently at the commencement of a new ICC Future Tours Program and financing cycle, and we would recommend further evidence of the requisite funding being directly apportioned to the strategic needs of cricket.”
The schedule for international ODIs between 2023-27 is more or less set and unlikely to change.
But the emergence of T20 leagues across 12 months of the year, and the players’ preference to feature in them for growing contracts, has put the future of the 50-over game under a cloud.
The committee also recommended the International Cricket Council undertakes a financial audit to establish the nations that are in need of support to play more Test cricket.