The 50-over format might have found brief salvation with a successful Champions Trophy earlier this year, but its long-term health remains in question. In the latest indication of the ODI’s declining relevance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) are in talks to scrap the ODI leg of their upcoming white-ball series and replace it with more T20 Internationals.
Pakistan are scheduled to tour the Caribbean from July 31, with the current itinerary featuring three T20Is in Florida followed by three ODIs in Trinidad. However, according to CricketPakistan, both boards are exploring the possibility of converting the ODIs — slated for August 8, 10, and 12 — into T20Is.
T20Is in focus for T20 World Cup 2026?
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026 and the Asia Cup (in T20 format) expected in September this year, both boards are keen to maximise T20I exposure. While it is sensible for teams to play as many T20Is as possible due to upcoming mega events, ODIs have their own value.
In fact, the West Indies, which missed out on the ODI World Cup 2023, can also miss out in the next edition in 2027. The top eight-ranked teams will automatically qualify for the tournament, whereas the Caribbean are currently ninth on the latest ICC rankings.
The PCB has previously attempted a similar schedule change, discussing with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to add two T20Is to a planned ODI series earlier this year. However, the plan was later scrapped due to regional tensions, and the boards settled on a three-match T20I series instead.
With the next 50-over World Cup still two years away in 2027, ODI cricket continues to fight for space in an increasingly T20-dominated calendar. Proposed Schedule (subject to change):
- T20Is: July 31, August 2, August 3 (Florida)
- ODIs (could become T20Is): August 8, 10, 12 (Trinidad)
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