Dump ODIs, stick to T20s and IPL: Lalit Modi's bold suggestion to BCCI sparks buzz

Lalit Modi has reignited the debate around cricket’s future with a bold call to scrap ODI cricket altogether, arguing that the format has lost its relevance in the modern game. The former IPL founder believes the sport should move forward with a clearer identity, built around Test cricket’s legacy and T20’s explosive appeal.

With the cricket calendar evolving rapidly and attention already shifting towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, Modi’s remarks land at a time when the format is increasingly being questioned. Speaking to Sportstar, he made it clear that while Tests must remain untouched, ODIs no longer fit into the sport’s future.

“Test cricket should always stay; we should dump the ODIs and keep the T20s. Kerry Packer did a great job in reviving the one-dayers, and I salute him, but the time is over for ODIs. Test cricket should move to the day-night format. But I see absolutely no threat to the IPL from any other leagues,” Modi said.

IS ODI CRICKET DYING?

The sentiment is not entirely new. Ravichandran Ashwin had earlier questioned whether ODI cricket can survive beyond the 2027 World Cup, pointing to changing audience behaviour and the rise of franchise leagues.

The numbers tell their own story. In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, India played 22 T20Is in just five months, underlining where the priority lies. In contrast, the team is currently scheduled to play only 18 ODIs in the entire build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting how squeezed the format has become.

There was a time when ODI cricket was the heartbeat of the sport. It brought colour, innovation and a new audience. Today, it feels caught in between, not quite traditional like Tests, not quite electric like T20s.

The modern fan has changed. Attention spans are shorter, expectations sharper. T20 cricket delivers instant gratification, while Tests offer depth and narrative. ODIs, stuck in the middle, often struggle to provide either consistently.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY ODI CRICKET?

• Scheduling squeeze: T20 leagues and packed calendars leave little room
• Falling engagement: Bilateral ODIs fail to sustain consistent viewership
• Rise of franchise cricket: T20 leagues dominate global attention
• World Cup dependency: Format survives largely on ICC tournaments
• Limited game time: Teams playing fewer ODIs despite major events ahead

As the countdown to the 2027 ODI World Cup continues, the format still has its biggest stage intact. But outside that, the conversation is getting louder. As Modi’s comments show, this is no longer just a debate about formats. It is a question of direction.

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