'A scarcity of ODI cricket would increase the quality, achieved by removing bilateral ODIs' - MCC suggests scrapping of ODI bilateral after 2027 World Cup

MCC (Source: Twitter)

The first ever One Day International match was played between Australia and England. The match, which was to happen in Melbourne, was washed out for three days. In order to compensate for the losses, the two teams decided to play a match of 40 overs each with 8 balls per over. That is how the birth of ODIs took place.

A format that was played in white shirts and red balls later found many advancements. Today, many believe that the format is dying due to the lack of interest of the fans. The opinion is now echoed by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who form and amend the rules of the game.

Suggestion of Marylebone Cricket Club

The MCC has suggested the International Cricket Board to scrap the bilateral ODIs after the 2027 ODI World Cup. "The suggestion is that a scarcity of ODI cricket would increase the quality, achieved by removing bilateral ODIs, other than in the one-year preceding each World Cup," said MCC in its statement.

The MCC feels that by doing so, the global cricketing calendar can benefit from space. "This would, as a consequence, also create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar." Added MCC in its statement.

MCC also mentioned its concerns about the future of Test cricket, especially in nations other than India, England, and Australia. "This audit of operational costs versus commercial return would help the International cricket board identify nations in need of support in order to sustain a test match program. This need could be subsequently addressed via a separate test fund, established to protect the sanctity of test match cricket." It added.

MCC also recommended a strategic fund to aid the growth of women's cricket. "It's time for the global game to reset," the panel chairman Mike Gatting said. "The MCC firmly believes that if we are to protect the game of cricket as a whole, immediate action must be taken to bring about significant transformation in the sport," added the former World Cup finalist.