 and Cricket West Indies (CWI) are in early talks to scrap the ODI series, scheduled for August this year.){kind=link}
Cricket is at a crossroads once again—and this time, it’s the 50-over format that seems to be quietly getting pushed aside. According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) are in early talks to scrap the three-match ODI series originally scheduled for August this year.
Instead, they’re considering replacing it with more T20Is, citing preparation for the Asia Cup 2025 (to be played in T20 format) and the T20 World Cup 2026 as the reason.
What’s on the Table?
As per the original schedule, Pakistan were set to play three T20Is and three ODIs against the West Indies. The T20Is are set for July 31, August 2, and August 3, followed by ODIs on August 8, 10, and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
But now, that ODI leg may not happen at all. Sources suggest that both boards are exploring this idea to maximize T20 preparation time, build combinations, and fine-tune squads ahead of T20 World Cup.
T20s Make Sense—But at What Cost?
Let’s be honest—T20 is the king of modern cricket. It brings in the crowds, drives media rights, and gives boards a financial boost. Preparing for the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup by playing more T20Is makes perfect sense in the context of immediate goals.
But here’s the problem: this short-term planning comes at the long-term expense of ODI cricket.
ODIs are the perfect balance between Test patience and T20 explosiveness. They build temperament, test technique, and allow players to grow into their roles. Sacrificing them purely based on upcoming tournaments undermines the development of players and disrupts the calendar’s balance across formats.
Is ODI Cricket Slowly Dying?
This isn’t the first time this has happened. Earlier this year, PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed to drop their ODI series in favor of extra T20Is. It raises a critical question: Are we becoming too tournament-focused and neglecting format development?
If every year is planned solely around the next big event, teams will become reactive instead of strategic. Young cricketers will lack experience in 50-over cricket, and fans could lose interest in the format altogether.
One Format Shouldn’t Come at the Cost of Another
International cricket is already under pressure from franchise leagues. The last thing the sport needs is internal cannibalism between formats. Boards, including Pakistan and the West Indies, must find a balance where T20Is are prioritized when needed, but not at the complete expense of ODIs.
Because here’s the truth—all three formats matter. ODIs still produce great cricket, dramatic finishes, and compelling narratives. Dropping ODIs to make room for T20Is might sound logical in the short run, but it’s a slippery slope.
Initial schedule of West Indies-Pakistan series
- July 31, 2025 – First T20I – Broward County, Florida
- August 2, 2025 – Second T20I – Broward County, Florida
- August 3, 2025 – Third T20I – Broward County, Florida
- August 8, 2025 – First ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
- August 10, 2025 – Second ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
- August 12, 2025 – Third ODI – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad
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