MCC puts proposal forward for ODI cricket to be 'significantly reduced' after 2027 World Cup

<p>

The MCC world committee has put forward a proposal to the ICC to reduce the number of ODI series after the 2027 World Cup. </p>

<p>

The financial imbalance existing between nations is putting a squeeze on the viability of Test cricket outside of India, England and Australia, according to a panel of current and former players. </p>

<p>

A lack of quantifiable data on the costs of staging Tests has led to a recommendation the International Cricket Council (ICC) undertakes a financial audit to establish the nations who are in need of support. </p>

<p>

The world committee - whose members include Heather Knight, Eoin Morgan and Clare Connor - also advised a separate Test fund to address the issue and "protect the sanctity" of the format. </p>

<p>

A "substantial and ringfenced" fund to strengthen and grow women's cricket was another of the series of proposals to the ICC, which should be seeking a commitment from associate nations desiring Test status to invest in and field women's teams. </p>

<p>

With the proliferation of T20 domestic franchise leagues creating an increasing logjam, the committee has also suggested a removal of bilateral ODIs - other than in the 12-month period before 50-over World Cups - to "increase the quality" and "create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar". </p>

<p>

Former England captain Mike Gatting, who chairs the committee which meets twice a year to debate the issues facing cricket, said: "It's time for the global game to reset. </p>

<p>

"Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations, versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation. </p>

<p>

"We are currently at the commencement of a new ICC Future Tours Programme and financing cycle, and we would recommend further evidence of the requisite funding being directly apportioned to the strategic needs of cricket. </p>

<p>

"A more equitable approach would, in turn, provide more commercial stability and continue to grow the potential of the ICC World Test Championship. </p>

<p>

"The growth of the women's game must also be consistent with the growth of the game as a whole. We need to ensure that nations are rewarded for their commitment to investing in both the men's and women's game alike, and a ring-fenced fund could be an important step here. </p>

<p>

"The (world committee) firmly believes that if we are to protect the game of cricket as a whole, immediate action must be taken to bring about significant transformation in the sport." </p>

<p>

</p>

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/mcc-puts-proposal-forward-odi-cricket-significantly-reduced-after-2027-world-cup">MCC puts proposal forward for ODI cricket to be 'significantly reduced' after 2027 World Cup </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>