Players have more T20 opportunities, while boards also have to manage packed international schedules and player workloads
Updated: September 9, 2026, 8:30 AM IST
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting after the Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, May 4, 2025(Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes ODI cricket could be played less often in the coming years as the growing popularity of T20 cricket continues to change the sport.
Ponting, one of the greatest ODI players of all time, admitted that he is not happy with the direction in which the 50-over format is headingHowever, he feels the change is difficult to avoid as international cricket deals with an increasingly packed calendar and the rise of franchise T20 leagues around the world.
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“As the months go by and the years go by and more and more T20 cricket is being played and more franchises and franchise tournaments are starting around the world, it’s more and more likely that 50-over cricket is probably going to be played less,” Ponting said.
The former Australian skipper also believes that something will eventually have to give as cricket tries to find space for all three formatsFor Ponting, Test cricket is likely to remain strong because of the continued interest from major cricketing nations such as India, Australia and England.
That leaves ODI cricket in a difficult position.
“Test cricket is still going to remain strong as long as India, Australia, England and probably South Africa want Test cricket to remain strongIt willSo something’s got to giveAnd the obvious one is 50-over cricket,” he said.
The numbers also show how the balance has already started to changeSince January 2021, India have played 82 ODIs but 126 T20IsEngland have played 68 ODIs and 88 T20Is, while Australia have featured in 64 ODIs and 88 T20Is.
The trend is not limited to the major teamsSouth Africa have played 72 ODIs compared to 73 T20Is, while New Zealand have featured in 75 ODIs and 109 T20Is during the same period.
The rise of franchise leagues has made the situation even harder for ODI cricketPlayers have more T20 opportunities, while boards also have to manage packed international schedules and player workloads.
Ponting’s comments carry extra weight because of his own record in the formatHe played 375 ODIs for Australia and scored 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries and 82 fiftiesHe was also part of Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning side and captained the team to World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.
Ponting has made it clear that he loves ODI cricket and does not want to see it pushed asideBut with T20 cricket continuing to grow, he believes the 50-over format may have to accept a smaller role in international cricket.
