There are just too many ODIs

Finally, we are done with the worthless sequence of ODIs between Aus. and Eng. which I'm not sure who really cared for. Also, the last 3 games clearly demonstrated that the new "innovations" introduced certainly don't help in improving interest in the game. Frankly, I believe no amount of changes introduced is going to bring back the excitement to the one-day game. The problem is clear - there is just too much one-day cricket being played. How the hell can interest in the game be sustained if there are matches going on at all times of the year. Too much of anything is bad and so is the case with ODIs too. So, the simple solution to ensure every one-day game is treated with the same amount of anticipation is to just play them less often!

On a first cut at analyzing this logic, one might find this is counter-intuitive to what's happening in other popular sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf. In all these sports, there are matches/tournaments being organized every week during the season. But, on a closer look, the differences become apparent. In soccer, most of the matches played are between local clubs, and most of these matches are pretty much inconsequential (other than between heavyweights such as say Man U. and Chelsea, but these games happen only around half a dozen times in a year). Similar is the situation in baseball and basketball. The only reason the games in the regular season count for anything is that they finally decide who makes the playoffs. So, an alternative solution one could possibly consider to solve the problem with ODIs is to introduce an annual World Cup, with the games played throughout the year determining who makes it to the World Cup. (The ICC has introduced an official ranking system but clearly it matters for nothing at the moment.) But, this solution will not work in cricket because there just aren't enough competitive teams! There are only 8 teams playing at the top-level and you cannot organize a league based on these many teams. This works in basketball, baseball and soccer because leagues usually have around 30 teams. I don't see so many teams making it to the top tier in cricket anytime during my lifetime :)

The other approach to take is that of tennis and golf. Though tournaments are held every week in these sports, hardly anyone cares for any of them other than the Grand Slams/majors. And they don't seem to have any problem with that! So, that's one more alternative solution - just ignore the fact that ODIs are getting boring and keep playing them nonetheless. Looks like the ICC is better off with this approach than trying out useless 'innovations'.

Anyway, let's hope the Ashes turns out to be a cracker of a contest. And, before that, here's hoping that Tiger conquers the British Open again. And, also hope someone on the T-Mobile team finally manages to figure out Armstrong. Phew .. too many exciting events in store. Thankfully the ODIs are done with! :D

Cheers,
Harsha