This Champions Trophy Was Just So Monotonous’ Spinner Makes Bold Statement Ahead of India vs New Zealand Clash

Ravichandran Ashwin Questions Relevance of ODI Cricket, Suggests Radical Changes

• Ashwin’s Bold Statement:
  Retired Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin raised eyebrows on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, by questioning the future of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, calling the format “monotonous.”
• Monotonous Champions Trophy:
  Ashwin expressed his disappointment with the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, stating, “Until this Afghanistan vs. England game, this champions trophy was just so monotonous.” His remarks followed a thrilling Afghanistan win over England, which saw the former secure an eight-run victory on February 26.
• Concerns Over the 2027 ODI World Cup:
  Ashwin also shared doubts about the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027, which is scheduled to be hosted in South Africa. He questioned whether the ICC would be able to pull off a successful tournament, given the slow pace of the format: “The 50 over World Cup (2027) in South Africa is going to be a real challenge for the ICC.”
• Is There a Place for 50-Over Cricket?
  The veteran spinner raised a crucial question: “Is there a place for 50 overs in today’s cricket?” implying that the format may no longer be suitable in modern-day cricket.
• Suggestions for Revamping the Format:
  Ashwin suggested bringing back the red ball in ODIs as a potential solution to reinvigorate the format, calling it a “masterstroke.”
• ICC’s Impact on India’s Spin Domination:
  Ashwin also accused the ICC of changing rules to neutralize India’s spin advantage. He pointed out that before 2015, ODI cricket was played with one ball, and the introduction of two balls, along with the rule change allowing five fielders in the circle, was intended to curtail India’s spin dominance.
• Upcoming India vs. New Zealand Match:
  India will face New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai in the final match of the group stage of the Champions Trophy. Both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, and the match will determine the Net Run Rate (NRR) ahead of the knockout stage.