Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a strong appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider the current cricket calendar. Pathan is advocating for the return of more five-match One Day International (ODI) series and the revival of popular tri-nation tournaments.
The Catalyst: Rohit and Virat's Dominant Form
Pathan's call to action comes on the back of the stellar performances by Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the extended format of a five-match series allows world-class players like them to settle into a rhythm and truly showcase their skills over a longer period, which is often not possible in shorter, two or three-game series.
"When you have a five-match series, it gives quality players the time to get into their groove," Pathan explained. He emphasized that players of such high calibre deserve the stage that a longer series provides, allowing for comebacks and sustained excellence that fans deeply appreciate.
Reviving the Glory of Tri-Nation Tournaments
Beyond bilateral series, Pathan also passionately argued for the return of tri-nation ODI tournaments. He reminisced about iconic events like the Austral-Asia Cup and other three-team competitions that were staples of the cricket calendar in the 1990s and early 2000s.
"Those tournaments were fantastic for the game," Pathan stated. He believes these events create a unique, mini-World Cup-like atmosphere with higher stakes and more competitive matches, as teams often face different styles of play in quick succession. This format, he argues, is excellent preparation for global ICC events and keeps fans engaged over a concentrated period.
A Strategic Move for Cricket's Future
Pathan's suggestions are not just nostalgic but are presented as a strategic vision for the health of the 50-over format. With the rising dominance of T20 franchise leagues, the ODI format has often been squeezed, leading to shorter, less consequential series.
By scheduling more substantial five-match series and engaging tri-nation events, cricket boards can:
- Provide better context and importance to ODI cricket.
- Allow teams to test their bench strength and strategies more thoroughly.
- Generate significant revenue and sustained viewer interest over several weeks.
- Create memorable rivalries and narratives that define eras.
The former cricketer's plea highlights a crucial debate in modern cricket scheduling. As the sport's administrators plan the future, the success and viewer response to longer series featuring in-form stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could serve as a perfect blueprint. The call is clear: to preserve the prestige and excitement of ODI cricket, the structure of competitions needs to evolve, giving fans more of the high-quality, extended contests they love.
