Michael Atherton has issued a stark warning about the future of cricket following Ben Stokes’s decision to retire from ODI cricket. Ben Stokes’s sudden retirement from ODI cricket has triggered a debate over the sustainability of the 50-over format.
The argument is mainly limited to 50-over cricket but a few questions have also been raised about the traditional format, which is Test cricket. While the discussions have been intense, with ex-cricketers pitching their views from all corners, former England captain Michael Atherton took a swipe at the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Michael Atherton believes the game is at a “tipping point” and cited the example of Cricket South Africa, which recently withdrew from taking part in an ODI series against Australia next year. The board in fact wanted to channel its focus entirely on the domestic T20 league, which is scheduled at the same time.
Michael Atherton: Cricket Is At A Tipping Point Which Has Long Been Coming Probably Since Advent Of IPL
Michael Atherton blames this development on the rise of the T20 franchise leagues which he feels are threatening international cricket. Michael Atherton cited the example of South Africa pulling out of their ODI series against Australia in order to ensure their top players appear in their new T20 league in January next year.
The former England captain also took a jibe at the Indian Premier League, citing it as the start of everything.
Michael Atherton said: “I think the game is at a tipping point, which has long been coming probably since the advent of the IPL. You could argue the tipping point has come now with South Africa recently taking the decision to abandon three ODIs In Australia next year as they want their best players available for their franchise tournament.”
“They are prepared to slightly imperil their participation in the next World Cup to do that. That tells you all you need to know about where the balance of power is between international and franchise cricket.”
Former England captain and renowned commentator Michael Atherton expressed his views on the shift in franchise cricket over international cricket. South Africa was due to play three ODIs against Australia in January 2023. The matches were part of the ongoing World Cup Super League. However, CSA opted to put its new franchise T20 league over the team’s qualification for the next 50-over World Cup in India.
BBL, PSL, CPL, And The Hundred Are Some Of The Franchise Leagues Other than IPL
Since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) started the Indian Premier League in 2008, their rival administrators have emulated them in setting up their own franchise tournament. The Big Bash League (Australia), Pakistan Super League (Pakistan), the Caribbean Premier League (West Indies), and The Hundred (England) are some of the prominent franchise leagues across the globe other than IPL.
Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from ODI cricket and Michael Atherton has hit out at the sport’s administrators, labeling England’s current schedule “totally unrelenting and ridiculous”.