T20 leagues taking over? Ponting fears ODI cricket will be 'played less'

RICKY PONTING Ricky Ponting has admitted he is worried about where ODI cricket is heading, with the former Australia captain fearing the 50-over format could gradually be squeezed out by the ever-growing presence of T20 franchise cricket across the globe.Ponting, one of the most successful ODI batters in cricket history with 13,704 runs in the format, believes the growing number of franchise competitions could leave limited room for 50-over cricket in the years ahead.

While he is not happy about the prospect, he feels it could become an inevitable consequence of the changing game.

Watch BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia gives update on Rohit future, selector Agarkar, VVS Laxman and more ‘50-over cricket is probably going to be played less’ “As the months go by and the years go by and more and more T20 cricket is being played and more franchises and franchise tournaments are starting around the world, it's more and more likely that 50-over cricket is probably going to be played less.

It's inevitable, which I'm not a huge fan of, to be honest,” Ponting told PTI.The former Australia skipper was speaking during an interaction facilitated by the World Championship of Legends, where he is set to be a co-owner of the Australia Champions franchise.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Ponting confident about Test cricket Despite his concerns over ODIs, Ponting remains confident that Test cricket will retain its place at the top level, provided the major cricketing nations continue to prioritise the longest format.

The Australian believes India, Australia, England and South Africa will play a crucial role in keeping Test cricket strong.“I love playing that format of the game, but something's got to give somewhere.

Test cricket is still going to remain strong as long as India, Australia, England and probably South Africa want Test cricket to remain strong.

It will.

So something's got to give.

And the obvious one is 50-over cricket,” he said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.

Download the TOI app.