PremiumMohammad Kaif makes strong statement if ODI is losing charm due to IPL and T10 leagues | Exclusive
Recently, Team India faced Australia in a three-match ODI series, which they went on to lose 2-1 at home.
Last Updated: 04.32 PM, Mar 31, 2023
ODI cricket's continued relevance in the current day is still a matter of discussion. The question of whether ODI cricket is losing its charm has been discussed by many in recent times. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has added his opinion to the discussion.
Just before the start of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Team India had faced Australia in a three-match ODI series, which they went on to lose 2-1 at home.
This series was significant for both countries with the ODI World Cup taking place at the end of the year. Barring the 3rd and final game that crossed the 250+ run mark, the first (191) and second (121) games were both low-scoring games - both not even completing the 50-overs quota.
Now with the new edition of the IPL all set to begin and even the emergence of T10 leagues (the new shortest format of the game) across the globe, are these leagues affecting ODI in any way?
The shorter version of the game has gained popularity among sponsors and cricket fans alike. Many believe that the number of bilateral 50-over series may be limited or that the format can only exist in the World Cup. Nevertheless, Mohammad Kaif strongly disagreed, saying he doesn't think any format is having an impact on the other.
Kaif reacted to OTTplay's question during the press conference for The Indian Masters T10 by saying, "I love ODIs, I watch every single ball seriously. All formats garner different interests. Being a cricketer, but being more of a cricket fan, I love to watch all formats. I enjoy different formats as it brings out different challenges to players as they need to adapt".
He added, "Don't say ODI is boring, never say ODI is boring. It's a great format and you will see the interest, especially with the World Cup around the corner. It is one of my favourite formats".
Speaking of the new T10 league, T Ten Global Sports announced the launch of The Indian Masters T10 after six historic editions of the Abu Dhabi T10.
The games, which will take place from June 14 to June 28, 2023, will have a spectacular 10-over format. During 12 game days, there will be 19 matches in total. The competition will include six franchisees, each of which is co-owned by a prominent business house and an A-list Bollywood celebrity.
Former Indian cricket stars like Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pragyan Ojha, Mohammed Kaif and many other top international names like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Jacque Kallis, Eoin Morgan, Chris Gayle, Brett Lee are expected to take part in the 1st ever edition of the Indian Masters T10.