The format dilemma for the Champions Trophy continues for the ICC
In a recent high-level meeting at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Dubai headquarters, key decision-makers from the ICC and representatives of key partners like broadcaster Disney Star were present in the meeting to discuss the future format of the Champions Trophy.
The ICC’s recent meeting in Dubai wasn’t all smooth sailing. While some within the organization championed the traditional 50-over format (ODIs) for the upcoming Champions Trophy, a final call was delayed.
This sparked a deep dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both ODIs and the fast-paced T20 format. Data presented a concerning trend: ODI viewership and engagement have dropped by more than 20% since the 2019 World Cup.
This could be due to the fast and exciting nature of T20I cricket. Whereas ODI cricket can get tedious and slow, T20 cricket is a fast form of it and it is a fast-paced world. People don’t have the time or attention span to sit and watch a 50-over-per-inning game when they can watch a 20-over-per-inning game and be done with it in 4-5 hours.
Also Read: PCB proposes three venues for the Champions Trophy 2025
Broadcasters, the financial backbone of cricket, benefit from the longer format’s increased ad inventory – a 100-over match offers more commercial breaks than a 40-over T20.
However, there’s a catch, filling all those ODI ad slots can be difficult, and T20s command a higher price per commercial second despite fewer breaks.
Those in favor of the ODI format point to the success of the 2019 World Cup, but acknowledge it benefited from being held in India with a strong Indian team performance.
They also argue the upcoming Champions Trophy (February-March 2025, Pakistan) could serve as a warm-up for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, offering some continuity.
A logistical headache looms for the Champions Trophy organizers. The tight 17-18 day window, with a Friday kick-off in mid-February and the final three Sundays later, clashes with the reality of Pakistan hosting.
India’s unlikely participation necessitates a “hybrid model” similar to the 2023 Asia Cup. This would likely involve most teams traveling between Pakistan and the UAE, adding significant strain to the already compressed schedule.
Also Read: PCB proposes a single venue for India matches for the Champions Trophy 2025
The tight schedule throws a wrench in the ODI format’s viability. Cramming two matches in three days with travel between Pakistan and the UAE is a logistical nightmare.
This, coupled with declining ODI popularity and the rising prestige of Tests as the “purest” format, creates a compelling case for the T20 format.
The Champions Trophy’s prior struggles (discontinued in 2017 due to a crowded calendar and the T20 World Cup’s rise) are further amplified by the increased frequency of the T20 World Cup (now every two years).
The ICC faces a difficult decision. Changing the format might violate existing broadcasting rights deals (worth $3 billion for the current cycle). Negotiations with broadcasters, the financial backbone of cricket, will be crucial.
While the ICC might hold onto ODIs, the debate and pressure for a T20 format are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
