With the growing popularity of T20 leagues and T20Is, clouds are hovering over the future of ODI cricket. Many feel that the 50-over format is time-consuming and want the ICC to completely abolish it.

Amid the debate, former Australia skipper Aaron Finch has come up with a radical suggestion, saying that ODI cricket should be reduced to 40-overs-a-side to give it a fresh lease of life.

Despite the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, there has been a lot of argument around the future of ODIs. Very less ODIs are scheduled for this year, especially with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup slated to be held in the West Indies and USA.

A lot of bilateral series worldwide, often involving big teams, draw a very average to below-average turnout that does not truly befit the stature of these teams.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Finch opined that the 50-over format is too slow and does not attract large crowds.

"I think it goes to 40 overs, I would love to see that. In England, they used to have the pro-40 and that was a huge competition. I think the game has gone too long, in my opinion. The speed that the teams bowl their 50 overs is so slow, it's down around 11 or 12 overs/hour and that is not acceptable. People will argue that maybe it is a glorified T20 game but it is about the crowds," Finch said.

Finch is opposed to the idea being utilized every series, especially when big teams are playing. However, he feels it can benefit struggling sides like the West Indies, who failed to qualify for the Cricket World Cup last year.

"I am not quite sold on that for every series. I think when you have got the big dogs all playing against each other, I still think the 50-over game's electric, and the ebbs and flows are wonderful but when they are so one-sided, when you have got the West Indies... who are trying to fight their way back into the World Cup, they are so off the track, I think 40 overs might suit that type of series, it might bring them closer together," he added.

(With ANI inputs)