(Image Source: Lord’s)
[Saba Sports News] Mark Nicholas, the incoming MCC president, has expressed the club’s strong belief that fifty-over cricket should only be played in World Cups to preserve the ODI format.
He emphasized the need to reduce the number of bilateral ODIs, stating that they struggle to fill grounds in many countries and face tough competition from the growing popularity of T20 cricket. Nicholas noted that the power of T20 cricket extends beyond ticket sales, with a high demand for franchises, tournaments, and players worldwide.
Nicholas’s comments come ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where many teams have had limited fifty-over practice. He also discussed the MCC’s role in relation to the ICC and the ICEC report, acknowledging the need for better integration with the ICC and addressing issues of elitism within the MCC’s membership. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing world and embracing change over tradition.