By Low attendance at One-Day International (ODI) cricket matches is a major worry, raising questions about the format’s relevance and future. Several things contribute to this problem.
1. Declining Interest in ODIs: The recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025 had poor audiences, particularly for matches featuring popular nations such as India, generating debate over the format’s viability1.This drop in interest is largely due to the rise of T20 leagues, which provide more fast-paced and thrilling cricket.
2. One-Sided Contests: According to research, one-sided bouts are a major cause of low attendance. Fans favour close games, and matches involving teams with significant ability discrepancies frequently generate poor spectator interest.
3. Competition from Other Formats: The popularity of T20 cricket, with its shorter format and more exciting matches, has shifted focus away from ODIs. This shift in fan preferences has raised worries about the long-term viability of the ODI format.
However, while attendance difficulties remain a concern, ODIs are unlikely to be eliminated. Many people believe that all three formats—tests, ODIs, and T20s—will coexist, albeit with scheduling and frequency modifications to keep fans engaged.
To secure the future of the ODI format, cricket officials may need to redesign it, maybe by lowering the number of matches or introducing more competitive fixtures. Furthermore, employing technology and innovative marketing tactics may help reinvigorate interest in ODIs.
