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Moeen Ali questions ODI rules, warns of T20's growing influence
Ali questioned the relevance of ODI cricket and criticised the rules (Image credit: X/@ICC)

Moeen Ali questions ODI rules, warns of T20's growing influence

Mar 08, 2025
02:14 pm

What's the story

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has shown his displeasure toward the existing One Day International (ODI) cricket rules. He feels that the rules mostly benefit batsmen, which makes this format less appealing. The changes, like fewer fielders outside the circle and two new balls, have altered the dynamics of ODI matches significantly. "The format has almost completely died out, apart from World Cups and Champions Trophy," Moeen told Talksport Cricket. Here are further details.

Format's decline

ODI cricket's popularity has dwindled

Ali, who played 138 ODIs and took 111 wickets, shared his views on Talksport Cricket. He said apart from World Cups and the Champions Trophy, ODI cricket has almost "completely died out." He called it the worst format to play due to multiple reasons. Ali's comments come at a time when even marquee contests like India vs Pakistan have initially failed to fill stadiums. "It is the worst format to play and there are many reasons for that," Moeen added

Rule changes

Moeen Ali criticizes the introduction of 2 new balls

Ali slammed the rule change which allows only four fielders outside the circle after the first powerplay, instead of five as it used to be. He said the rule makes it easier for batsmen to score runs. "I think the rules are terrible... Guys are averaging 60, 70 in ODI cricket now because of that," he said. "On top of all this, you have two new balls, you lose the reverse swing," he further explained.

T20 impact

Concerns over T20 leagues affecting international cricket

Ali expressed his worry that the money from T20 leagues could prompt early retirements from international cricket. He said, "I think franchise cricket is sadly eating it all up... There are probably guys who are probably going to retire in the next couple of years from international cricket to play franchise cricket." "It's so much that people just can't turn it down. It's very difficult," Ali explained. His remarks highlight a rising trend of players choosing money over country.