England’s star all-rounder and test captain, Ben Stokes, has recently surprised everyone by retiring from ODI cricket, after which many things are being discussed in the current cricket schedule.
Many veterans believe that the time is not far when players will start following in the footsteps of Stokes or choose the format as per their convenience.
Meanwhile, Team India’s former captain and head coach, Ravi Shastri, reacting to Stokes’ decision to retire from the 50-overs format, has made a big statement about India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, which has made Indian cricket fans Will surprised. He also said that the future of ODI cricket is in danger.
ICC should focus on World Cup: Ravi Shastri
Sky Sports quoted Ravi Shastri as saying: “I think ODI cricket can be overlooked in the modern era, but even then, this format of the game can maintain its place in the cricketing world if you just watch the World Cup.
If seen from the ICC point of view, then the World Cup should be given the highest importance, be it the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. We have to increase the earnings from these competitions. Otherwise, it is difficult to maintain the players’ interest in ODI cricket.
Hardik Pandya will soon say goodbye to ODI cricket: Ravi Shastri
Test cricket will always be alive because this format makes you feel like a cricketer; that is what defines cricket. But on the contrary, if we talk about limited overs cricket, then the players have already started choosing the format of their choice.
Take the example of Hardik Pandya. He wants to play T20 cricket, and he is very clear that ‘I don’t want to play anything else.” He added: “Hardik Pandya will continue to play 50-over cricket for now, as the World Cup 2023 is to be held in India next year. After that, you can also see him say goodbye to this format.
Not only Hardik, but the same will happen with other players, they will start choosing the format as per their choice, and they have every right to that. The main reason for this is the tight international schedule and various franchise leagues.