The Cricket Calendar Conundrum: Why Random Bilaterals Are a Relic of the Past
Cricket, like any sport, thrives on structure, rivalry, and meaning. Yet, for years, the international calendar has been a patchwork of randomly scheduled bilateral series, often lacking the context that makes sport compelling. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta’s recent assertion that this era ‘has to come to an end’ isn’t just a bureaucratic statement—it’s a wake-up call for the sport’s future.
The Problem with Randomness
What makes this particularly fascinating is the realization that cricket’s survival isn’t just about playing matches; it’s about creating narratives that resonate. Randomly scheduled bilaterals, while historically significant, often feel like filler content in today’s crowded sports landscape. Personally, I think the issue isn’t just about scheduling—it’s about relevance. Without a clear narrative, culture, or competitive edge, these series become forgettable.
Take, for instance, the recent criticism of the 2027 ODI World Cup format. The introduction of a Super Series round, where only one of three qualifying teams advances, has sparked outrage from Associate nations like Scotland and the Netherlands. What this really suggests is that cricket’s global growth is being stifled by formats that prioritize elite competition over inclusivity. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about a tournament structure—it’s about the sport’s identity and who gets to participate in its most prestigious events.
The ODI Dilemma: Undead but Not Alive?
The ODI format, once the crown jewel of cricket, now finds itself in a peculiar limbo. Jonty Rhodes’ observation that ODIs ‘might be in trouble’ but won’t disappear entirely captures the format’s current state. What many people don’t realize is that the ODI’s survival isn’t just about its historical significance; it’s about its ability to adapt.
The World Cup remains the format’s lifeline, but even that is evolving. The 2027 edition’s revamped structure, with its Super 7 twist, is an attempt to inject excitement. Yet, it raises a deeper question: Are these changes enough to keep ODIs relevant in an era dominated by T20 leagues and Test cricket’s resurgence?
The Broader Trend: Context is King
One thing that immediately stands out is how cricket’s other formats have thrived by creating context. The World Test Championship (WTC) gave Test cricket a narrative arc, while T20 leagues have capitalized on fast-paced, high-stakes drama. Bilateral cricket, particularly in the ODI format, has struggled to keep up.
From my perspective, the solution isn’t to abandon bilaterals entirely but to reimagine them. Why not create regional tournaments or qualification pathways tied to the World Cup? This would not only add meaning but also reduce the strain on players and resources. A detail that I find especially interesting is how football’s international calendar, with its qualifiers and continental championships, could serve as a blueprint for cricket’s restructuring.
The Psychological Angle: Fan Affinity and Fatigue
Cricket’s calendar isn’t just about logistics—it’s about psychology. Fans crave stories, rivalries, and moments that matter. Random bilaterals often fail to deliver this, leading to fatigue. What this really suggests is that the sport’s administrators need to think like storytellers, not just schedulers.
Consider the IPL or the Ashes—these events thrive because they’re more than just matches; they’re cultural phenomena. Bilateral cricket needs to find its own version of this, whether through regional rivalries or innovative formats.
Looking Ahead: The Post-2027 Landscape
The next FTP cycle, starting in 2027, will be a defining moment for cricket. With new media rights and a revamped calendar, the sport has a chance to reinvent itself. But will it?
Personally, I’m skeptical that incremental changes like the Super Series will be enough. Cricket needs bold ideas—perhaps a global league system, or a tiered structure that balances elite competition with inclusivity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the tension between tradition and innovation. Can cricket preserve its heritage while embracing the future?
Final Thoughts: Cricket’s Identity Crisis
If you take a step back and think about it, cricket’s current challenges are symptomatic of a larger identity crisis. Is it a global sport or an elite club? A traditional game or a modern entertainment product?
Gupta’s call to end randomly scheduled bilaterals is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. The sport needs to ask itself: What do we want cricket to stand for in the 21st century? In my opinion, the answer lies in creating a calendar that’s not just structured, but meaningful—one that tells stories, fosters rivalries, and includes everyone.
The era of randomness may be ending, but the real question is: What comes next?
