Semis’ excitement sufficient to keep the ODI alive
Before the inauguration of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, outbursts regarding the death of the One Day Internationals’ (ODI) format of cricket were in vogue, from media discourse to drawing room discussions. Analysts and cricket experts, in view of the growing popularity of the Twenty20 format and the World Cup, hinted at a possible extinction of the ODIs’. However, with the ongoing World Cup, a different picture is presented, one of zeal and excitement, as fans all across the globe eagerly wait for the semi-final clash between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391, considered by most cricket lovers as the “Mother of all Matches."
After witnessing an unstoppable fervour and passion during this World Cup, critics seem to reconsider announcing the death of the ODI just yet. As the tournament nears its culmination, the zest only seems to be spiral out of control.
Only a day ago, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Haroon-Lorgat-c61719, was able to proudly state that ODI would never die. Lorgat for a while now, has been struggling hard to counterbalance the arguments of all the cricketers. Before the start of the World Cup, he responded to many a-fiery queries from the critics, explaining to them on international forums that the 2011 edition of the World Cup, will only further sustain the ODI format.
It is after a long time the world is abuzz with a shared sense of enthusiasm. With the arrival of the semi-final round, the zeal has reached new peaks as the two rivals get ready to lock horns. Indo-Pak matches have always been a source of delight for cricket lovers. Considering the explosive history shared by the two countries, it is no wonder that even a simple match becomes nothing short of war.
There is no denying the fact that this World Cup has put a profound impetus and infused new life in the ODI format, which was slowly dwindling. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has added more fuel to fire in this regard. Moreover, time as well as people’s attention span has become a rarity, with more people preferring to watch limited over cricket. However, this tournament has reinforced that the 50-over format is also capable of giving a lot of sensational and thrilling cricket.
In order to make the ODI format more interesting, the ICC has decided to exclude all non-Test playing nations, also termed as minnows, from the next edition of the World Cup and has announced to reduce the number of participating nations from 14 to 10.
Though controversial, this is a positive step that will help in two ways – First, by making the World Cup more interesting and second, giving the minnows a chance to improve their playing. Indeed, this World Cup has proved that the ODI format will remain alive for years to come.
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