ODI cricket is dying, it is just a drag now: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has opined that one-day internationals should be removed from the international cricket calendar. He also went on to say that one-day games are not going to fill the stadiums, especially in Asian countries.

Akram also backed England‘s star allrounder Ben Stokes’ decision to retire from ODIs. The left-handed batter had earlier stated that an “unsustainable” workload has been taking a toll on him as he decided to bid adieu to the 50-over format at the age of 31.

“I think so (on ODI cricket being scrapped). In England, you have full houses. In India, Pakistan especially, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, one-day cricket you are not going to fill the stadiums,” said Akram on Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club Podcast.

“They are doing it just for the sake of doing it. After the first 10 overs, it’s just ‘OK, just go a run a ball, get a boundary, four fielders in and you get to 200, 220 in 40 overs’ and then have a go in the last 10 overs. Another 100. It’s kind of run-of-the-mill,” he added.

Akram stated that Stokes retiring from ODI cricket is quite sad, but also agreed with his decision. The left-arm pacer also went on to say that one-day cricket is kind of dying.

“Him [Ben Stokes] deciding that he is retiring from one-day cricket is quite sad but I agree with him. Even as a commentator one-day cricket is just a drag now, especially after T20. I can imagine as a player. 50 overs, 50 overs, then you have to pre-game, post-game, the lunch game,” said Akram.

“T20 is kind of easier, four hours the game is over. In the leagues all around the world, there is a lot more money — I suppose this is part and parcel of modern cricket. T20 or Test cricket. One-day cricket is kind of dying. It is quite tiring for a player to play one-day cricket,” he added.