Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed strong concern regarding the pace of 50-over cricket, stating that "nine hours is a bit long" for a One-Day International (ODI) match.
Speaking on Cricbuzz following the third ODI between India and West Indies in New Chandigarh on October 3, Karthik pointed out that such excessive run times hurt the format's ability to remain relevant.
The match stretched significantly due to a combination of scorching playing conditions and slow over-rates. Both teams were penalized for falling behind their required over schedules.
Karthik urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and key stakeholders to address why a standard ODI fixture now requires nine hours, arguing that the game should ideally wrap up within seven to eight hours, including the innings break.
"Yes, it's nine hours, and I do feel that it is a bit long. I do think ICC and everyone involved should clamp down on why does it take for a 50-over game to go 9 hours. Ideally, it should be 7 hours with a break in between as well. Even if you extend it to 8 hours, it is okay," Karthik said.
"In this day and age, when we are trying to shrink everything and make it shorter, I don't think it makes sense to have a one-day game for 9 hours, and then on the other hand we are constantly asking why ODI cricket is failing, why no one is interested in being part of this format. This is the reason. I think the pace of play needs to be looked at. Yes, it is a hot day, that is a given, but to have a game go on for 9 hours is not helping this format stay afloat," he added.
Ex-India Ajinkya Rahane was also critical of the exceedingly slow over rates maintained by both teams during the third ODI, emphasizing that such delays negatively affect the format's popularity and spectator retention.
“It felt like this match went on for 2 days, it felt that long. Actually, the match was really good. But the way it went on for so long, you have to see it from the fans' point of view as well. Some strict rules have to be introduced, it is the players' and the ICC's responsibility to implement and follow the rules," Rahane said on the same Cricbuzz show.
Coming to the match, West Indies pulled off their biggest-ever ODI chase to beat India by five wickets. It was a consolation win for the Caribbean side after India had sealed the three-match series with victories in the first two games.
Opting to bat first, KL Rahul's unbeaten 129 and half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (92) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (57) propelled India to a formidable 351/7.
During the chase, Shai Hope led (162* off 143) from the front and carried his bat to get the job done in 48.2 overs. Amir Jangoo (67) and Keemo Paul (44) also made vital contributions with the bat.
