Rhodes Predicts Decline of Bilateral ODIs in the Years Ahead

Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes bilateral ODI series could become less common in the future, although he finds it hard to picture cricket without the 50-over format. Rhodes feels supporters will continue backing their teams whatever the format, but also accepts that the 50-over game may face some challenges in the coming years.

The Future of 50-Over Cricket

“When T20 cricket first came in, many people felt it would put Test cricket under pressure. Surprisingly, that has not happened. At times, Test cricket itself looks like T20, with batters and bowlers playing more aggressively,” Rhodes said during the jersey launch of European T20 Premier League (ETPL) team Rotterdam Dockers on August 11.

Rotterdam Dockers, co-owned by Rhodes, will take part in the first edition of the ETPL, which will be played in Voorburg, the Netherlands, and Dublin from August 26 to September 20.
“However, I always felt that 50-over cricket could be the format that faces trouble because it brings a fresh audience and a different view of the game,” Rhodes said.

“So there is still a lot of room for it, and playing in a cricket World Cup, whether it is T20 or 50-over, remains a great opportunity. At the moment, I feel bilateral series with a large amount of 50-over cricket could become fewer, but it is still very hard to imagine cricket without the 50-over format,” he added.

T20 Leagues Could Shape International Careers
Rhodes feels the rise of T20 leagues across the world could also lead players to finish their international careers at a younger age.

“We have seen the FIFA World Cup and how strongly players feel about representing their countries. That is partly because they do not get to do it very often. Outside a FIFA World Cup year, most international stars play for their clubs and franchises, and cricket could slowly move in the same direction,” he said.

“With three formats in cricket now competing with franchise leagues around the world, players will eventually have to choose. That could mean some of them deciding to finish their international careers a little earlier,” the South African added.

South Africa’s World Cup Ambition

South Africa will host the next ODI World Cup, and Rhodes said the country is excited about welcoming teams from around the world and hopes the Proteas can win the trophy. South Africa are the defending World Test champions, but they are yet to win an ICC white-ball trophy.

“From the 2010 Football World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup to the 2007 T20 World Cup, we have seen some great sporting events in South Africa. The team that won in 2007 was a great side, and I think everyone who has travelled to South Africa for cricket has enjoyed the experience. As South Africans, we are really looking forward to hosting it,” he said.

“A World Cup is a very special event, and everyone coming to South Africa will enjoy it. But as the hosts, there are a few things we would like to achieve. One of them is obviously winning an ICC limited-overs trophy,” he added.

While the T20 franchise boom will likely shrink standard bilateral ODI schedules, the enduring prestige of the World Cup ensures the 50-over format remains an irreplaceable cornerstone of the sport.
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