The once-so-popular one-day cricket is all set to undergo a major revamp, again. The International Cricket Council is planning to launch a new league, which will involve 13 team, including associate nations.
According to a report in The Telegraph, this league will involve a number of bilateral ODI series between the teams.
Each of the 13 teams will play a three-match bilateral series against each side. Therefore, over a period of three years, all the teams will play 36 matches.
The top two sides after the three years will then engage in the final. The bottom team will be relegated.
The teams are also likely to get permission for playing extra matches, but those will not have any impact on the league rankings.
This new league would also determine automatic qualification and seedings for the World Cup.
The top 10 teams from the ICC ODI rankings will be a part of this league along with associate nations Ireland and Afghanistan. The 13th team will be decided after the completion of World Cricket League, which is the played in the second tier of ODI cricket.
With the rise of T20 cricket over the last few years, the popularity of ODI cricket has been on the wane. This initiative by ICC could help in reigniting the excitement levels of ODI cricket.
A decision has not been taken as of yet on the league, but it may come soon.
It is to be seen whether this league gains popularity like the domestic T20 leagues have done over the last few years. If it does, it will be able to mint a lot of money from the TV deals and sponsors as well.
