Cricket

50 over or 20 over? Champions Trophy format comes under debate

May 18, 2024

During a recent assembly held at the ICC’s headquarters in Dubai, high-ranking officials of the cricketing body, alongside representatives from key stakeholders such as broadcaster Disney Star, engaged in intensive discussions regarding the future trajectory of the Champions Trophy 2025.

The discussion sparked regarding the configuration of the Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan. Within the ICC, there was a division of opinion regarding whether the tournament should feature ODIs or adopt a different format. Although no definitive decision was reached, thorough deliberations were conducted weighing the merits and drawbacks of both the traditional 50-over game and the shorter 20-over format. Statistical analyses shared during the session revealed a concerning trend, a decline of over 20 percent in audience engagement and viewership for ODIs since the 2019 World Cup.

Cricket broadcasters monetization

Broadcasters, the primary financiers of global cricket, have a greater potential for monetization during a 100-over cricket match compared to a 40-over game. However, it is improbable that every advertising slot will be filled during a One Day International (ODI), and the cost of a commercial spot for an ODI is considerably lower than that for the shortest format.

For instance, the current market rate for a 10-second advertisement during ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches is reportedly Rs 15 lakh. From a financial perspective, for every INR 100 earned per over in a Twenty20 (T20) game, broadcasters stand to earn approximately INR 57-60 during an ODI. Nonetheless, while a T20 match offers around 100 commercial slots, an ODI boasts 160 ads, indicating a potentially higher overall monetization opportunity if all slots are successfully sold.

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India’s perspective on Champions Trophy 2025

The vice president of BCCI, Rajeev Shukla provided clarification regarding the status of the 2025 Champions Trophy slated for Pakistan, underscoring board’s commitment to adhere to the directives of the Indian government, as the decision lies beyond their authority.

The Champions Trophy discontinued from 2017 due to its diminishing significance within the Future Tours Programme (FTP), with the T20 World Cup emerging as a prominent counterpart to the ODI World Cup.