Is T20 World Cup the most important ICC event?

A recent player survey conducted by the World Cricketers Association, formerly FICA, has revealed that the T20 World Cup is fast catching up with the ODI World Cup as far as players’ race to be the most important ICC event is concerned. Actually, in 2019, 85% of players claimed the ODI World Cup to be the foremost event, while only 15% opted for the T20 World Cup. Indeed by 2024, the gap has pointedly narrowed down to where 50 percent of players still regard the ODI World Cup as paramount, as opposed to the 35 percent who prefer the T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup – Most Important ICC Event

The present edition of the T20 World Cup, being co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, has grabbed quite a few eyeballs and concluded with a pulsating final between India and South Africa in Barbados. Indeed, 41 per cent of younger players under 26—from the survey—now prefer the T20 World Cup as against 49 per cent who still hold a soft corner for the ODI World Cup.

Markedly higher than in this year’s report, 30% of players now view T20 as the most important format, compared to previous research. Test cricket—which, only two years ago, was claimed by 82% of players as the pinnacle of the game—now holds that status for just 48%.

The 2024 survey represents nearly 330 professional players from 13 countries include Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the West Indies. This year, the survey had an increased number of female respondents. Moreover, none of the players from India, Pakistan, or Afghanistan were included in the study since none of them have representative unions or associations.

This swing in preference reflects changing attitudes toward different formats of the game of cricket; a switchover to T20 might very easily end up surpassing the ODI equivalent. The findings are expected to have an impact on ICC event planning and future format priority decisions, pointing out attitudinal change in international cricket.