ODI Cricket: A pure format or not?

[AamchiMumbaikar]

I see many posters in this forum referring to ODIs as a “pure” form of cricket, almost on par with Test cricket. In my view, that does a disservice to the real traditional format - Test cricket.


ODIs were introduced in the 1970s and, for a long time, they were largely a commercial addition to the sport. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, many major cricket boards such as Australia, England, and South Africa did not treat them with the same reverence as Tests.


Test cricket has structural elements that make it fundamentally different and far more demanding. There is the possibility of a draw, the strategic use of declarations, and the rhythm of sessions across five days. Conditions evolve light fades, the pitch deteriorates, and teams must adapt. Bowlers can operate long spells with the same ball for up to 80 overs, there is no cap on overs for a skilled bowler, and captains can set genuinely attacking fields. The red ball itself is harder to score off and tends to seam for longer. All of this creates a deeper examination of skill, patience, endurance, and mental strength. In many ways, Test cricket remains the ultimate test of the sport.


Because of that, I find it inconsistent when people call ODIs “pure” while dismissing T20 as a “mickey mouse” format. ODIs themselves were once the modern, commercially driven alternative to Tests much like T20 is today. The game has evolved, audiences have changed, and each format reflects the era in which it thrives.


Ultimately, Test cricket is the traditional pinnacle of the sport. ODIs emerged as a commercially viable limited-overs format for their time, and T20 has now largely taken over that role for the modern audience.

Please share your opinions...

 

[jnaveen1980]

That is just to take a dig at India win lol If India wins world cup Test cricket will be pure lol You are giving importance sore grape guys. Nobody cares what they think. T20 is the WTG. Mcgrath just said ODIs are a dying format on his channel. People are bored of the phase between 10th and 40th over. It just takes the life out of the intensity. If you look recent times not many One dayers are scheduled.

 

[BDfanforever]

In many ways, Test cricket remains the ultimate test of the sport.

Its no longer ultimate test, after introduction of Bazzball and super flat pitches. ODI WC is the pinnacle of Cricket.

The issue with T20 is that it's just too short of a format. I dont even know why you need 11 players for this format--at least in batting? It's like Ten-Ten. It led to the rise of plenty of hacks around the world. Of course, you need specific skills for T20.

I personally am a proponent of something like T30 which I think could be one stop shop LOI format.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Its no longer ultimate test, after introduction of Bazzball and super flat pitches. ODI WC is the pinnacle of Cricket.

The issue with T20 is that it's just too short of a format. I dont even know why you need 11 players for this format--at least in batting? It's like Ten-Ten. It led to the rise of plenty of hacks around the world. Of course, you need specific skills for T20.

I personally am a proponent of something like T30 which I think could be one stop shop LOI format.

Bazball is played by just 1 team. Pitches are super flat in odis. Avg score is 350 now. Whereas avg score in test cricket has come down, there are hardly any draws or game going to 5 days, tests have become even more tougher these days.

Imo any white ball cricket is a sham of some sort, it does not matter whether you play 10,20,40 overs.

 

[Mas-LFC]

Its no longer ultimate test, after introduction of Bazzball and super flat pitches. ODI WC is the pinnacle of Cricket.

The issue with T20 is that it's just too short of a format. I dont even know why you need 11 players for this format--at least in batting? It's like Ten-Ten. It led to the rise of plenty of hacks around the world. Of course, you need specific skills for T20.

I personally am a proponent of something like T30 which I think could be one stop shop LOI format.

T20 is stablished now. T10 is useless format and should be banned. T20 is not too short IMO, it’s perfectly fine besides people are used to it now.

 

[sweep_shot]

ODI and Test are the OG formats. Real cricket.

There is no cricket without Test and ODI.

T20, T10, Hundred etc. are all gimmicks. These formats are for people with ADHDs.

 

[Suleiman]

After 2025 CT t20 was the purest form, but after this dark and gloomy t20 WC it’s ODIs again.

 

[Hitman]

So you care about the opinion of sore losers whose opinion keeps changing accordingly to how well and bad Indian cricket does with time? There used to be a time after the Champions Trophy in 2017 where it was just as 'prestigious' as the ODI World Cup.​

 

[bk19xsa]

Test Cricket (provided no purposeful specific result oriented doctoring of the pitches as well as boundary size kept full ground size) is the pinnacle and purest form of the game.

Surviving against red ball cricket as a batsmen is the most pure form of technical batting excellence where as bowlers getting try all sorts of strategies and techniques under the sun while bending their backs is the highest form bowling excellence.

It's called Test for a reason. Nothing beats it in terms of purity in cricket.

 

[Hikaru]

Only if played in Sher E Bongla stadium. Format purity varies as per the location.

 

[Hikaru]

Its no longer ultimate test, after introduction of Bazzball and super flat pitches. ODI WC is the pinnacle of Cricket.

The issue with T20 is that it's just too short of a format. I dont even know why you need 11 players for this format--at least in batting? It's like Ten-Ten. It led to the rise of plenty of hacks around the world. Of course, you need specific skills for T20.

I personally am a proponent of something like T30 which I think could be one stop shop LOI format.

You clearly haven't been following Test Cricket if you see this as an era of bazball and super flat pitches. Might be the case in Pakistan and Bangladesh, but surely not in other countries.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Test Cricket (provided no purposeful specific result oriented doctoring of the pitches as well as boundary size kept full ground size) is the pinnacle and purest form of the game.

Surviving against red ball cricket as a batsmen is the most pure form of technical batting excellence where as bowlers getting try all sorts of strategies and techniques under the sun while bending their backs is the highest form bowling excellence.

It's called Test for a reason. Nothing beats it in terms of purity in cricket.

India scored 280 runs in 34 overs against Bangladesh in Tests

 

[sweep_shot]

Test Cricket (provided no purposeful specific result oriented doctoring of the pitches as well as boundary size kept full ground size) is the pinnacle and purest form of the game.

Surviving against red ball cricket as a batsmen is the most pure form of technical batting excellence where as bowlers getting try all sorts of strategies and techniques under the sun while bending their backs is the highest form bowling excellence.

It's called Test for a reason. Nothing beats it in terms of purity in cricket.

Test separates a real ATG from a Temu ATG.

Any lalloo can do things in a T20 by bowling well for 4 overs. Any lalloo can score some quick runs in 20-30 balls in a T20 game.

But, not everyone can do well in Test. You have to be really good to do well in Test.

 

[Hikaru]

Test separates a real ATG from a Temu ATG.

Any lalloo can do things in a T20 by bowling well for 4 overs. Any lalloo can score some quick runs in 20-30 balls in a T20 game.

But, not everyone can do well in Test. You have to be really good to do well in Test.

Some lallus can't do any of it despite playing Cricket for 30 years. Cricketing status of some countries really does need a re-evaluation, specially the proven failures. That's the purist way.

 

[harshjoshi87]

I see many posters in this forum referring to ODIs as a “pure” form of cricket, almost on par with Test cricket. In my view, that does a disservice to the real traditional format - Test cricket.


ODIs were introduced in the 1970s and, for a long time, they were largely a commercial addition to the sport. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, many major cricket boards such as Australia, England, and South Africa did not treat them with the same reverence as Tests.


Test cricket has structural elements that make it fundamentally different and far more demanding. There is the possibility of a draw, the strategic use of declarations, and the rhythm of sessions across five days. Conditions evolve light fades, the pitch deteriorates, and teams must adapt. Bowlers can operate long spells with the same ball for up to 80 overs, there is no cap on overs for a skilled bowler, and captains can set genuinely attacking fields. The red ball itself is harder to score off and tends to seam for longer. All of this creates a deeper examination of skill, patience, endurance, and mental strength. In many ways, Test cricket remains the ultimate test of the sport.


Because of that, I find it inconsistent when people call ODIs “pure” while dismissing T20 as a “mickey mouse” format. ODIs themselves were once the modern, commercially driven alternative to Tests much like T20 is today. The game has evolved, audiences have changed, and each format reflects the era in which it thrives.


Ultimately, Test cricket is the traditional pinnacle of the sport. ODIs emerged as a commercially viable limited-overs format for their time, and T20 has now largely taken over that role for the modern audience.

Please share your opinions...

ODIs are a short extension of test matches if the pitches are well balanced between bat & the ball.

Flat tracks don't provide that excitement but pitches where one team struggles to score 250-260 & opposite team loses by 10-20 runs or wins by 3-4 wickets is a balanced contest.

ODIs should be played in tri-series format, which will be super exciting & won't get boring like the bilateral contests.

 

[jnaveen1980]

ODIs are a short extension of test matches if the pitches are well balanced between bat & the ball.

Flat tracks don't provide that excitement but pitches where one team struggles to score 250-260 & opposite team loses by 10-20 runs or wins by 3-4 wickets is a balanced contest.

ODIs should be played in tri-series format, which will be super exciting & won't get boring like the bilateral contests.

Oflate pitches have been terrible and often it favors the toss winners. Best pitches we have had in recent time was the ENgland series pitches. Helped with both batsmen and bowlers.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

ODIs are a short extension of test matches if the pitches are well balanced between bat & the ball.

Flat tracks don't provide that excitement but pitches where one team struggles to score 250-260 & opposite team loses by 10-20 runs or wins by 3-4 wickets is a balanced contest.

ODIs should be played in tri-series format, which will be super exciting & won't get boring like the bilateral contests.

No. Odi n t20 are played with white ball on flat pitches, they can never be equal to test cricket in quality.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

ODI is a dying format.

No one has time to sit for 7 hours to find a result.

T20 is the sweet spot.

Test cricket will remain only because of Big 3 nonsense otherwise no one has time to see 5 days of borefest.

T20 is the future of cricket and this how teams like even Italy are qualifying for World Cups.

T20 will make sure cricket becomes known all over the world.

 

[adil_909]

ODI cricket is pointless now and should be canceled. Just have T20 and Test cricket. Some players will play both but they are different enough that countries will have different teams for each format. That's more than enough. Let players play franchise cricket when not involved in tests and t20s.

Nobody has time to wait 7-8h to see who wins a sporting event

 

[Suleiman]

In all seriousness ODI WC is still the most prestigious trophy. Yes format wise test is the ultimate test, but this new test championship thing has no pedigree, it’s a recent innovation.

The ODI WC prize is still the top prize.

Think of cricket throughout its peak, let’s take 80s-2011. Now close your eyes. You can almost picture every single iconic shot of the champion(s) with the trophy.

 

[jnaveen1980]

In all seriousness ODI WC is still the most prestigious trophy. Yes format wise test is the ultimate test, but this new test championship thing has no pedigree, it’s a recent innovation.

The ODI WC prize is still the top prize.

Think of cricket throughout its peak, let’s take 80s-2011. Now close your eyes. You can almost picture every single iconic shot of the champion(s) with the trophy.

Ya.. who is going to win lol Either England or Australia or India . Others should stand by and watch them win.

1999 Australia
2003 Australia
2007 Australia
2011 India
2015 Australia
2019 England
2023 Australia

lol Even finalists are mostly SA/Australia/England/India/NZ. Prestigious tournament is a distant dream for the rest of the teams. This going to be the case for the significant years to come. SA might fluke one along the way.

 

[RahulBose]

ODI and Test are the OG formats. Real cricket.

There is no cricket without Test and ODI.

T20, T10, Hundred etc. are all gimmicks. These formats are for people with ADHDs.

Like you know what is ADHD.

And games evolve over time, you may join the evolution or dinosaur your way out.

 

[JaDed]

I told you then itself you are taking it too seriously.. the poster already said he think 60 overs is pure form.. which he didn’t even know was last played in big tournament of 1983 wc..

 

[Suleiman]

Ya.. who is going to win lol Either England or Australia or India . Others should stand by and watch them win.

1999 Australia
2003 Australia
2007 Australia
2011 India
2015 Australia
2019 England
2023 Australia

lol Even finalists are mostly SA/Australia/England/India/NZ. Prestigious tournament is a distant dream for the rest of the teams. This going to be the case for the significant years to come. SA might fluke one along the way.

Why omit 83 and 92 and 96 lol. Come on, don’t cherry pick now

In any case, I’m not talking about the result, I’m talking about it being around for decades and being the most coveted prize of cricket for the better part of the history of cricket.

Can you name every single test series and imagine the winning moments of each one?

Probably not.

But you can picture Kapil with the cup, Imran with the cup, Sri Lanka with the cup, Aussies iconic run for years, India’s resurgence in 2011.

ODI WCs are a solid indicator of which side is ruling the roost in that particular point of 3-4 years (outside of a couple upsets) and have the pedigree and are baked into the tradition of cricket.

 

[JaDed]

In all seriousness ODI WC is still the most prestigious trophy. Yes format wise test is the ultimate test, but this new test championship thing has no pedigree, it’s a recent innovation.

The ODI WC prize is still the top prize.

Think of cricket throughout its peak, let’s take 80s-2011. Now close your eyes. You can almost picture every single iconic shot of the champion(s) with the trophy.

For my grand father it was 1971 test series.. in WI.. for my dad it was 1983 60 overs red ball wc..

 

[Suleiman]

For my grand father it was 1971 test series.. in WI.. for my dad it was 1983 60 overs red ball wc..

Yes but be honest, how big of a memory is the 2011 WC for you? That will show the importance of one day WC

 

[jnaveen1980]

Why omit 83 and 92 and 96 lol. Come on, don’t cherry pick now

In any case, I’m not talking about the result, I’m talking about it being around for decades and being the most coveted prize of cricket for the better part of the history of cricket.

Can you name every single test series and imagine the winning moments of each one?

Probably not.

But you can picture Kapil with the cup, Imran with the cup, Sri Lanka with the cup, Aussies iconic run for years, India’s resurgence in 2011.

ODI WCs are a solid indicator of which side is ruling the roost in that particular point of 3-4 years (outside of a couple upsets) and have the pedigree and are baked into the tradition of cricket.

Even 1999 is too far.. lol Ideally last 15 years is a good reference point. Pakista is never going to win another world cup lol So why do you bother hyping it. India was the best team in 2023 by country mile. Luck deserted them. They will win next cycle or pretty soon. Others should watch from the sidelines.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I told you then itself you are taking it too seriously.. the poster already said he think 60 overs is pure form.. which he didn’t even know was last played in big tournament of 1983 wc..

Guys who hype world cup is the one who will never win a world cup for 1000 years lol India will in all likelihood win the next world cup. IT is hilarious.

 

[Suleiman]

Even 1999 is too far.. lol Ideally last 15 years is a good reference point. Pakista is never going to win another world cup lol So why do you bother hyping it. India was the best team in 2023 by country mile. Luck deserted them. They will win next cycle or pretty soon. Others should watch from the sidelines.

What does Pakistan have to do with it?

Do you think I base my entire opinion of the sport of cricket around what Pakistan is or isn’t capable of? If that was the case then currently I’d say no format is important then lmao.

In any case, I’m a neutral fan so it doesn’t matter.

I’m even willing to concede that bilateral ODIs are dead- yes that much is true atm.

But the ODI WC- still the crown jewel of cricket.

 

[jnaveen1980]

What does Pakistan have to do with it?

Do you think I base my entire opinion of the sport of cricket around what Pakistan is or isn’t capable of? If that was the case then currently I’d say no format is important then lmao.

In any case, I’m a neutral fan so it doesn’t matter.

I’m even willing to concede that bilateral ODIs are dead- yes that much is true atm.

But the ODI WC- still the crown jewel of cricket.

Yes. crown jewel that will be belonging to one of the 3 or 4 countries. THat's it. Others can't even smell it like they can't even make semi final let alone win it.

 

[Suleiman]

Yes. crown jewel that will be belonging to one of the 3 or 4 countries. THat's it. Others can't even smell it like they can't even make semi final let alone win it.

Guys who hype world cup is the one who will never win a world cup for 1000 years lol India will in all likelihood win the next world cup. IT is hilarious.

You seem brainwashed by nationalism, as if that’s all people watch cricket for lol.

“If my team can’t win xyz format then xyz format doesn’t matter
”

 

[jnaveen1980]

You seem brainwashed by nationalism, as if that’s all people watch cricket for lol.

“If my team can’t win xyz format then xyz format doesn’t matter
”

Where is nationalism coming here? Every fan wants their country to win the world cup. This is not football where we root for a random south american country or european country.

 

[Hellion]

I wish ODI cricket was accorded more respect. It's a format that separates the men from the boys.

T20 is fun but too much of it is a bore.

Test cricket is good only when played between competitive sides and only played sparingly.

 

[Suleiman]

Where is nationalism coming here? Every fan wants their country to win the world cup. This is not football where we root for a random south american country or european country.

Look at the line and logic of your replies to me.

Apparently I can’t have the opinion that ODI WC is the most coveted prize still because Pakistan won’t get close to winning it according to you.

Bas kar de Bhai

Also when was the last time I even voiced my support for Pak on the cricket sub forum. Predicted they would lose to BD yesterday.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Look at the line and logic of your replies to me.

Apparently I can’t have the opinion that ODI WC is the most coveted prize still because Pakistan won’t get close to winning it according to you.

Bas kar de Bhai

Also when was the last time I even voiced my support for Pak on the cricket sub forum. Predicted they would lose to BD yesterday.

It is prestigious. it is not on the level of the Football World Cup. We have multiple formats. Series, wins, and the T20 World Cup all have their own space. Down the line, the ODI World Cup will lose its edge. In fact, I don't want to lose it. India's bench strength will grow exponentially in the coming years, and other teams won't be able to keep up with India. Cup after cup after cup !!

The only format where others can think of fluking a world cup is T20 format.

 

[JaDed]

Yes but be honest, how big of a memory is the 2011 WC for you? That will show the importance of one day WC

1998 Sharjah , Dhaka are bigger.. i was making a point that it’s relative.. for someone born in 2000s it will be T20 2007 wc.. or even IPL for few..

 

[Dr_Bassim]

I sort of agree that ODI cricket is dying but I feel it shouldnt be played outside of ODI World Cup.

I feel ODI and T20 World Cups are pinnacle of cricket.

ODIs definitely have a niche as a part of the World Cup.

No one cares about the World Test Championship and who wins it.

I don't even remember who won the last 2 editions of the Teat Championships.

 

[Suleiman]

1998 Sharjah , Dhaka are bigger.. i was making a point that it’s relative.. for someone born in 2000s it will be T20 2007 wc.. or even IPL for few..

Honestly shocking to hear, perhaps because we all take cricket far more seriously on this forum than the average person on the street of Karachi or Mumbai that I’m seeing so many different answers, but in person I don’t think the general populace of the South Asian countries will be more excited for any other prize in cricket other than an OD WC win. The others matter too, but this is the peak even if ODI series are now largely irrelevant.

It’s the perfect intersection where boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z still relate to. Tests the previous gen’s will generally take more serious and t20s Gen Z onward.

 

[JaDed]

Honestly shocking to hear, perhaps because we all take cricket far more seriously on this forum than the average person on the street of Karachi or Mumbai that I’m seeing so many different answers, but in person I don’t think the general populace of the South Asian countries will be more excited for any other prize in cricket other than an OD WC win. The others matter too, but this is the peak even if ODI series are now largely irrelevant.

It’s the perfect intersection where boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z still relate to. Tests the previous gen’s will generally take more serious and t20s Gen Z onward.

Yes.. that’s how it will end up.. kind of like Wrestling too for me 90s and attitude era is so huge compared to now.

 

[JaDed]

I sort of agree that ODI cricket is dying but I feel it shouldnt be played outside of ODI World Cup.

I feel ODI and T20 World Cups are pinnacle of cricket.

ODIs definitely have a niche as a part of the World Cup.

No one cares about the World Test Championship and who wins it.

I don't even remember who won the last 2 editions of the Teat Championships.

One cannot prepare for ODI wc if they don’t play it..
Only by playing domestics i doubt it might be enough

 

[DeadlyVenom]

ODI WC is still the pinnacle of cricket. For some reason this statement seems to trigger some Indian fans as if it belittling their achievements. We can't hide from reality. I think if you ask any player or fan to pick between winning a T20 world cup or ODI WC we know what they will pick. No need to get triggered and throw hissy fits and make everything about India.

I don't think this prestige will last forever, but currently it is the case. The format is slowly crumbling.

With regards to purity it really depends on individual preference. We can argue all day about what is purest and what isn't, but the reality is that T20 cricket is essentially subsiding other formats.

Without this impure format, we would not have the other formats.

Sure it can be a hit fest on phattas. But we do it a disservice at times. You need to be highly skilled, highly flexible and highly athletic to excel at T20 cricket. There is no margin of error.

We must accept that this is proper cricket, it is the future of cricket and deep down we probably know it's becoming the most enjoyable form of cricket too.

 

[shaz619]

I see many posters in this forum referring to ODIs as a “pure” form of cricket, almost on par with Test cricket. In my view, that does a disservice to the real traditional format - Test cricket.


ODIs were introduced in the 1970s and, for a long time, they were largely a commercial addition to the sport. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, many major cricket boards such as Australia, England, and South Africa did not treat them with the same reverence as Tests.


Test cricket has structural elements that make it fundamentally different and far more demanding. There is the possibility of a draw, the strategic use of declarations, and the rhythm of sessions across five days. Conditions evolve light fades, the pitch deteriorates, and teams must adapt. Bowlers can operate long spells with the same ball for up to 80 overs, there is no cap on overs for a skilled bowler, and captains can set genuinely attacking fields. The red ball itself is harder to score off and tends to seam for longer. All of this creates a deeper examination of skill, patience, endurance, and mental strength. In many ways, Test cricket remains the ultimate test of the sport.


Because of that, I find it inconsistent when people call ODIs “pure” while dismissing T20 as a “mickey mouse” format. ODIs themselves were once the modern, commercially driven alternative to Tests much like T20 is today. The game has evolved, audiences have changed, and each format reflects the era in which it thrives.


Ultimately, Test cricket is the traditional pinnacle of the sport. ODIs emerged as a commercially viable limited-overs format for their time, and T20 has now largely taken over that role for the modern audience.

Please share your opinions...

You guys are so sensitive & insecure that you read one post from somebody, and then throw your toys out the pram starting uncivil discussions.

I read what you read to but didn’t take it so negatively.

Tests will always be the litmus ‘Test’ (pun-intended) for a cricketer, regardless of which era we are in. When somebody calls ODI ‘pure’, we need to dig a bit deeper to understand why that’s the case?

ODI’s as you rightly said, were being commercialised to help promote the sport, but, for decades, the format was closely tied to red ball cricket, so that’s where the ‘pure’ comes from:

- Inaugural WC was 60 overs per side which helped teams with depth in their bowling attacks.

- It wasn’t until 1992 WC that the white ball used, before then it was the red ball and this was still utilised after that for some bilaterals until the 2000’s.

- Lack of fielding restrictions, for the first decade there weren’t any!

- And believe it or not, it wasn’t until 2011 that a ball change was required! Now we got 2 and all kinds of PP’s!

ODI’s have evolved since then, and it’s fair to anticipate that there’s a strong possibility that the format could be dying a painful & slow death, and if we are headed towards exclusive T20 WC’s, then ODI’s for me anyway, the fact that they still exist, present a slightly bigger challenge than T20’s, only because batters have to show some patience & application at the crease over a longer period - and some of that DNA of old, has not been vanquished completely yet and therefore, in the limited overs world / considering the heritage of the format, it still is the pinnacle, for how long we don’t know. The death of ODI’s will be a sad day.

You won the T20 WC & congrats, and this is where our sport is headed now, but deep down those who had been watching for decades, can’t have enjoyed what felt like a match being simulated on the latest video game, sure they enjoyed the win & trophy, but will Indians seriously do a bhangra over preparing the flattest of wickets, scoring runs like it’s stick cricket and bowling a team out compared to how Dhoni outsmarted Misbah with a nobody to lift the WC in a close & competitive encounter; I know what would be more satisfying and enjoyable for me personally.

 

[harshjoshi87]

No. Odi n t20 are played with white ball on flat pitches, they can never be equal to test cricket in quality.

Yes that's what I am saying, there should be balance between bat & ball like @jnaveen1980 said.

Flat wickets will bring death to 50 over cricket.

50 overs should be a short extension of test cricket.

But fans of this generation can't do without 4's & 6's, so the boards are left with no other option.