Wasim Akram's remarks came shortly after England all-rounder Ben Stokes unexpectedly announced his retirement from ODIs, which has led to a significant discussion over the future of 50-over cricket.
Wasim Akram, a legendary fast bowler from Pakistan, believes that ODI cricket has turned into "run-of-the-mill" stuff and wants the game's authorities to scrap the format permanently. After England all-rounder Ben Stokes unexpectedly announced his retirement from ODIs, which has led to a serious discussion over the future of 50-over cricket, Akram's remarks quickly gained attention.
"I think so (ODIs should 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," he said in 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 last 10 overs. Another 100. It's kind of run-of-the-mill." Akram supported Stokes' decision to quit from ODIs, citing "unsustainable" workload.
“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, 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.