'50-over cricket is probably going to be played less...': Ricky Ponting on future of ODI cricket

Ricky Ponting (Pic: File Pic)

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting is worried about the future of ODI cricket. He feels that, considering the amount of T20 cricket being played and the number of franchise tournaments that have started around the world, 50-over cricket will 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," he said.

He then feels that as long as India, Australia, England, and South Africa want, Test cricket will continue to remain a strong format of the game.

"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," said Ponting.

WCL Season 3: Ricky Ponting joins Australia Champions as an owner

Ponting has also joined the Australia Champions as an owner ahead of the upcoming edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 3.

The WCL ushered in a new era for the franchise at an exclusive Australia Champions: A New Era media press conference in Melbourne, according to a press release.

The landmark press conference took place on Tuesday at Eureka 89, bringing together some of the biggest names from Australian cricket and the World Championship of Legends.

His arrival ahead of WCL Season 3 added one of the most iconic figures to the Australia Champions ownership group, alongside Puneet Singh.

The new look of Australia Champions comes at a time when WCL Season 3 promises to be the biggest edition yet, considering the inclusion of more legendary names and entertainment lined up for the cricket fans across the globe.

Ponting sees it as an opportunity to build something special for Australian cricket fans.

"I'm excited to be part of Australia Champions and the World Championship of Legends. With Puneet and the team, and David leading from the front, we have a great opportunity to build something special for Australian cricket fans," he said as quoted in the WCL press release.

(With Inputs from Agencies)