England have announced a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 against Australia, scheduled to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 4 to 8. With the Ashes already decided in record time, England will be aiming to carry momentum from their morale-boosting Melbourne victory and end the tour on a positive note.

After enduring a difficult campaign that saw them concede the urn within just 11 days, England finally tasted success on Australian soil in the fourth Test at Melbourne. Led by Ben Stokes, England registered a remarkable four-wicket win in a dramatic two-day contest, snapping a winless streak in Australia that had stretched beyond 5,000 days.

Shoaib Bashir recalled to strengthen spin options

One of the biggest takeaways from the squad announcement is the return of young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has been recalled as England look to bolster their spin resources for the SCG Test. Traditionally known to offer more assistance to spinners compared to other Australian venues, the Sydney surface is expected to play a key role in England’s team combination.

Bashir’s inclusion signals England’s intent to challenge Australia with spin, particularly as the match progresses into the later days. The management believes his control and ability to extract turn could be crucial against Australia’s middle order.

Also READ: Michael Clarke makes bold retirement prediction for Australian great ahead of Sydney Ashes 2025-26 Test

Matthew Potts added, Gus Atkinson ruled out

Alongside Bashir, pacer Matthew Potts has also been drafted into the squad for the series finale. Potts’ ability to maintain discipline and extract seam movement could provide England with valuable depth in the bowling attack.

However, England will miss the services of Gus Atkinson, who has been ruled out of the final Test due to a hamstring injury sustained in Melbourne. Atkinson was the only omission from the side that clinched the fourth Test, making his absence a notable setback.

Although England can no longer reclaim the Ashes, the SCG Test presents an opportunity to restore pride and confidence. A win in Sydney would not only help England finish the tour with two victories but also provide a psychological boost heading into future overseas assignments.

Key batters such as Joe Root and Harry Brook will once again be central to England’s hopes, while all-round options like Will Jacks add balance to the squad.

England squad for 5th Ashes Test

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue

Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently navigating a PR storm as they prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with Mustafizur Rahman in their ranks. While the player’s talent is undeniable, his inclusion has triggered intense backlash directed at Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR management.

The bashing isn’t about talent or paperwork; it is fueled almost entirely by the severe political instability and civil unrest in Bangladesh. Many fans and public figures have labeled the signing as insensitive given the reports of violence and the targeting of minorities across the border. Critics argue that by investing a massive ₹9.20 crore in a Bangladesh star, the franchise is ignoring the prevailing national sentiment today. This political friction has led to boycott calls and heavy scrutiny, making Mustafizur’s presence a major point of contention for the 2026 campaign.

3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out

1. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)

Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as a world-class alternative, carrying a much more manageable base price of ₹2 crore. The left-arm Afghan pacer was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming a staggering 17 wickets. His ability to swing the ball at 140 km/h+ makes him a lethal powerplay weapon, often taking wickets in his very first over.

Statistically, Farooqi averages 19.09 in T20Is, a figure that proves his consistency against the world’s best batting lineups recently. He offers the same left-arm angle as Mustafizur but with more raw pace and a highly deceptive back-of-the-hand slower ball. His economy rate in the death overs has improved significantly under the mentorship of specialists like Dwayne Bravo in various leagues.

For KKR, Farooqi provides a controversy-free overseas slot, allowing the team to focus on on-field performance rather than political debates. He is a regular in the ILT20 and BBL, showing that his skills are transferable across different types of pitches and conditions. With over 150 T20 wickets in his career, he is no longer just a prospect but a proven match-winner for any franchise.

2. Spencer Johnson (Australia)

Spencer Johnson represents the gold standard of left-arm fast bowling and is currently valued at a base price of ₹2 crore. The Australian speedster is famous for his express pace, consistently hitting the 148 km/h mark to intimidate the opening batters.

Johnson’s height allows him to extract steep bounce from the surface, a luxury that the shorter Mustafizur simply cannot provide. In the Big Bash League (BBL), he has been a standout performer, helping his team to a title with his clinical death bowling. His T20 career strike rate is under 20, meaning he consistently provides the breakthroughs that KKR needs during the middle-over squeeze. Having already played for the Gujarat Titans and KKR, he is familiar with the Indian heat and the high-pressure environment of the IPL matches.

He is also a much better fielder in the deep than Mustafizur, often saving 5-10 runs per game with his elite athleticism. Johnson’s left-arm angle across is a tactical nightmare for right-handed openers like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli in the powerplay. He is the ideal candidate to lead the KKR pace attack, offering a blend of high velocity and tactical intelligence for the 2026 season.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players Punjab Kings can sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out

3. Jhye Richardson (Australia)

Jhye Richardson is a tactical masterclass target for KKR, likely available at a very competitive base price of ₹1.5 crore. Though a right-armer, his skiddy pace and 145 km/h velocity make him one of the most difficult bowlers to read in the death. Richardson was once a ₹14 crore signing, and his current lower base price makes him an absolute Moneyball steal for any side. He has a sensational T20 record, including a BBL season where he took 29 wickets, proving his ability to dominate an entire tournament.

Richardson possesses a whippy arm action that generates deceptive pace, often catching batters off guard on slower, turning Eden Gardens tracks. His availability is highly stable, and his focus is entirely on T20 cricket following his recent recovery from various minor injuries. By replacing a politically controversial figure with a high-profile Australian, KKR can effectively reset their public image before the season starts.

Richardson is also a handy lower-order batter, capable of hitting long sixes, which adds depth to the KKR batting lineup as well. His economy rate in the final overs has historically hovered around 8.50, which is excellent for someone bowling in the high-scoring IPL.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out

Brisbane Heat host Melbourne Stars in the 20th match of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at The Gabba on January 2, 2026. Heat, currently sit sixth with two wins from five games, while table-topping Stars boast four wins from four. This clash pits Heat’s home advantage against Stars’ unbeaten streak.​

Brisbane Heat hold sixth position after five matches, with two victories but recent defeats exposing batting inconsistencies. Melbourne Stars lead the table with four straight wins, showcasing dominant all-round play. Heat need momentum at home; Stars aim to extend their run.​

BH vs MS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: January 2; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 6:15 pm Local
• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

BH vs MS: Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 20 | Brisbane Heat won: 11 | Melbourne Stars won: 08 | No result/Tied: 01

Gabba Pitch Report

The Gabba ranks among Australia’s quickest and bounciest pitches. Pacers enjoy early assistance with good carry to the keeper for those striking the surface aggressively. After the new ball’s seam movement fades, it turns into a high-scoring venue, though spinners face challenges with averages exceeding 33 versus quicks’ 23.

Squads:

Brisbane Heat: Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Matt Renshaw, Hugh Weibgen, Tom Alsop, Max Bryant, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett (c), Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Thomas Balkin, Lachlan Hearne, Ollie Patterson

Melbourne Stars: Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran, Liam Hatcher, Haris Rauf, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Swepson, Aryan Sharma, Jonathan Merlo, Campbell Kellaway

Also READ: Fans erupt as Mitchell Marsh lights up BBL|15 with thunderous century against Hobart Hurricanes

BH vs MS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Brisbane Heat wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Stars’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Stars’ total score: 150-160

Case 2:

• Melbourne Stars wins the toss and bowls first
• Brisbane Heat’s powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Brisbane Heat’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also WATCH: Hassan Khan plucks a screamer to dismiss Moises Henriques in BBL|15

Australian cricket will witness an emotional farewell this week as Usman Khawaja confirmed that the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be the final appearance of his international career. The 39-year-old left-hander will bring the curtains down on a remarkable 15-year Test journey at the venue that launched his professional dream, closing a chapter defined by resilience, reinvention, and historic milestones.

From local dreams to the biggest stage for Usman Khawaja

Khawaja informed his teammates of the decision on Friday morning, choosing to step away after his 88th Test. His career began at the same ground in 2011, when an injury to Ricky Ponting opened the door for his debut. What followed was a path marked by patience and perseverance, as Khawaja accumulated over 6,000 Test runs and established himself as one of Australia’s most dependable top-order batters of the modern era.

Reflecting on his journey, Khawaja spoke emotionally about growing up near the SCG and dreaming of becoming a Test cricketer while watching his heroes from afar. That childhood ambition, forged in modest circumstances, eventually turned into a reality few could have imagined.

Breaking barriers and redefining identity

Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja made history as the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. Identified early for his sound technique and calm temperament, he progressed through the Australia Under-19 ranks before entering the senior side. Throughout his career, Khawaja embraced his identity, often speaking about representation and pride, and became an inspirational figure beyond the boundary ropes.

Khawaja’s international career was not without its challenges. After periods in and out of the Test side, he made a decisive move from New South Wales to Queensland in 2012. That shift proved transformative. He rebuilt his game in domestic cricket, captained Queensland to the Sheffield Shield title in the 2020–21 season, and surpassed 15,000 first-class runs overall—achievements that paved the way for a powerful international comeback.

Also READ: Michael Clarke makes bold retirement prediction for Australian great ahead of Sydney Ashes 2025-26 Test

Ashes redemption and career peak

The turning point arrived during the 2021–22 Ashes series, when Khawaja returned to the Test side and marked the moment with twin centuries at the SCG. He followed that up with prolific tours of Pakistan and England, culminating in a standout performance during the 2023 Ashes, where he finished as the leading run-scorer as Australia retained the urn. That same year, he was honoured as ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year, and played a vital role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph.

A look at Khawaja’s international career

Also READ: Matthew Hayden slams Australia coach after batting failures in Melbourne Test

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has strongly criticized Australia’s batting structure and coaching following the team’s defeat in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 29, 2025.

Speaking after Australia’s loss to England, Hayden singled out batting coach Michael Di Venuto, questioning his long-term influence on the side’s technical development.

Despite already holding an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Ashes series, Australia suffered a stunning defeat by four wickets inside just two days. The hosts were dismissed for 152 and 132 on a seam-friendly surface.

Hayden calls Australia’s scorecard “Unacceptable”

Speaking on the All Over Bar The Cricket podcast, Hayden did not hold back as he dissected Australia’s batting failures. He argued that pitch conditions were no excuse for the technical shortcomings displayed by the top and middle order.

“That’s an unacceptable scorecard. I don’t care if it was 50 millimetres of grass. You need to be better than that,” Hayden said. He specifically named Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey and Cameron Green as players who appeared “at sea” against pace bowling.

According to Hayden, Australia’s bowlers looked more technically sound than their batters, a situation he found deeply concerning at Test level.

While stressing it was not a personal attack, the former opener questioned whether Di Venuto’s influence had truly benefited Australia’s Test batting group.

“I’m not a fan of him. It’s not a personal thing. I just think that for too long there has been an influence in this group around batting, and I don’t feel it’s served the development of the team or the technical element of Test cricket,” Hayden said.

He further argued that Australia’s struggles are not limited to green wickets at home but also extend to overseas conditions, particularly in the subcontinent, where adaptability and refined technique are crucial.

Also READ: ICC pitch rating explained: MCG labelled ‘unsatisfactory’ | Ashes 2025-26

“You didn’t see Ricky Ponting batting at three”: Hayden

Hayden emphasized accountability as the missing ingredient in Australia’s batting approach. He contrasted the current setup with previous generations led by figures such as Ricky Ponting, suggesting senior players in the past would not tolerate repeated technical mistakes.

“You didn’t see Ricky Ponting batting at three, like Marnus Labuschagne is, throwing his wicket away. There is no chance,” Hayden remarked, adding that former teammates and senior players would have intervened.

He also criticized what he sees as a rigid mindset based on conditions, arguing that players must adapt rather than default to pre-set methods.

Also READ: PHOTOS – Grace Hayden parties with father Matthew Hayden after returning from ILT20

The Ashes 2025-26 series has been a whirlwind of high-stakes drama and rapid results, with the first four matches providing some of the most condensed Test cricket in recent history.

Australia holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Ashes 2025-26 series ahead of Sydney Test

Australia currently holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, having dominated the early encounters in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide with clinical bowling and explosive batting from the likes of Travis Head and Alex Carey. However, the narrative shifted dramatically during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where England secured a historic four-wicket victory in a match that lasted less than two days.

This win ended England’s 14-year drought on Australian soil and injected fresh life into the tour just as the teams headed to the series finale. Now, all eyes turn to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the fifth and final Test, scheduled to begin on January 4, 2026, where the hosts aim to close out a 4-1 victory while England looks to build on their newfound momentum.

Michael Clarke’s retirement prediction for the Australian veteran

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has stirred significant debate by predicting that the Sydney Test will serve as the international swansong for veteran batter Usman Khawaja. Clarke believes the 39-year-old should take the opportunity to retire on his home ground, especially after a challenging 2025 season where he averaged 36.11 across 10 Tests. Despite a massive 232-run knock against Sri Lanka in January, Khawaja struggled for consistency throughout the year, only breaking an 11-month half-century drought during the Adelaide Test.

“I think this will be Usman’s farewell Test match. I don’t think it’s a token selection; they obviously picked him for Melbourne, so if they’ve gone that way, you pick him for Sydney as well. But I think he’ll retire after this Test match… I’d love to see Uz make a hundred at the SCG and walk away on a high because not many people get that opportunity.” Clarke was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

Also READ: R Ashwin, Darren Lehmann and others send best wishes as Damien Martyn fights with meningitis

SCG showdown: The 87-Test veteran’s performance so far

Khawaja’s journey through the 2025-26 Ashes has been anything but smooth, marked by injury, positional shifts, and fluctuating form. After missing the start of the series due to back spasms and being sidelined for the Brisbane Test, Khawaja received a late reprieve in Adelaide following a last-minute injury to Steve Smith.

In that match, he showed flashes of his classic resilience, scoring a vital 82 and 40 from the middle order to help Australia clinch the series early. However, his fortunes dipped sharply at the MCG, where he managed scores of just 29 and 0 as the Australian batting lineup crumbled under England’s aggressive attack.

Head coach Andrew McDonald has firmly dismissed retirement rumors, noting that Khawaja has given no personal indication that Sydney will be his final game. As the series moves to the SCG, a venue where Khawaja averages a staggering 87.50 with four centuries to his name, the veteran finds himself at a crossroads. Whether he uses the familiar surroundings to notch one last massive score or follows Clarke’s advice to walk away on a high, his presence will be the primary focal point of the New Year’s Test.

Also READ: Harbhajan Singh picks the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2026

The veteran Australia National Cricket Team opening batsman Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a 15-year-long career.

Usman Khawaja will play the 88th and last Test match of his career at the Sydney Cricket Ground and retire following the end of the fifth match of Ashes 2025-26.

Usman Khawaja finally says goodbye

Khawaja’s retirement has been one of the biggest talking points in the ongoing Ashes series as several cricket experts called for his retirement despite the batter not dropping any hints.

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The veteran left-handed batsman became the centre of attention during the first Test when he was unable to open due to a back spasm, and then he also missed the subsequent Test.

Jake Weatherald sealed a spot at the top order as an opener, and with Travis Head being promoted, Khawaja’s role in the Australian team was significantly reduced.

Now, he is set for a traditional Sydney swansong, and he could finish up as Australia’s 14th-highest run-getter in the red-ball format if he scores 30 more runs in his final game.

So far, Usman Khawaja has scored 6206 runs in 157 innings at an average of 43.39, with 16 tons and 28 fifties.

I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan – Usman Khawaja

Addressing an emotional retirement press conference, Khawaja said that he is a “proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan”.

“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team – look at me now,” Khawaja said during a press conference that lasted the best part of an hour.

Also Read: ECB chief to hand Brendon McCullum ‘SACKING’ news after Sydney Test

More to follow..

Former Australia all-rounder Darren Lehmann took a light-hearted dig at his former teammate Jason Gillespie over a prediction about Afghanistan for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Lehmann said that the Afghan team will not qualify for the semifinals despite playing in spin-friendly subcontinent conditions.

On Wednesday, December 31, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan will remain captain for the global event. Naveen-ul-Haq returned after recovering from a shoulder injury. The selectors intend to field a settled and fully fit group for the event.

They Won’t Even Get Close – Darren Lehmann

Jason Gillespie made a bold prediction for the T20 World Cup on social media. The former Pakistan head coach stated that the Afghan team would reach the final.

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“Afghanistan will make the World T20 final,” Jason Gillespie wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

His former teammate Darren Lehmann said that Afghanistan would not only miss the final but also fail to come close, turning the prediction into a friendly online debate.

“I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close,” Darren Lehmann replied.

I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close . 👍👍🤣 https://t.co/ZY9cRhnuQB

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 1, 2026

Afghans Reached T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals After Wins Over New Zealand and Australia

The Afghan side had one of their best campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2024. They registered major wins over New Zealand in the group stage and Australia in the Super Eight. A tense victory over Bangladesh later confirmed their place in the semifinals.

However, their campaign ended on a disappointing note in the semifinal, where they were bowled out for just 56. South Africa chased the target comfortably, finishing the match inside nine overs.

However, reaching the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup marked another big step forward for Afghanistan. Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates on January 19, 21, and 22.

Darren Lehmann’s Impactful Career Despite Limited Opportunities

Darren Lehmann played much of his international career during Australia’s most dominant period, which limited his chances despite strong form. He featured in only 27 Tests and 117 ODIs because batting spots were occupied by players like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and the Waugh brothers.

The former all-rounder scored 1,798 Test runs at an average of 44.95 and amassed 3,078 ODI runs at an average of 38.96. He also contributed with the ball, taking 67 international wickets with his left-arm spin. Lehmann was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 1999 and 2003.

After retiring, Lehmann made a successful move into coaching. He took over as Australia’s head coach in June 2013, led the team to two Ashes series wins, and guided them to the 2015 World Cup title at home. He became only the second person to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach. Lehmann also won the IPL as a coach in 2009 with the Deccan Chargers.

Also read: Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad announced, Mumbai Indians star kicked out

Left-arm fast bowler Chetan Sakariya featured in his first domestic game in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Saurashtra after not having played a single game since his injury in 2024. The pacer shared his inspiring comeback story after having lost all hope for a return to cricket.

Injuries are the biggest woes in a sportsman’s life. For cricketers, especially bowlers, a blow to their bowling arm can almost draw curtains on their career. Indian left-arm bowling sensation Chetan Sakariya from Saurashtra also struggled with the same in the early days of his career.

However, he made his return and played for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season in the IPL and finally gathered courage and returned to domestic Indian cricket with the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season.

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Chetan Sakariya on comeback from career-ending wrist injury

Once considered one of the finest young talents from India, Chetan Sakariya was considered one of the future superstars of fast bowling from the nation. He came to fame after winning the Ranji Trophy with Saurashtra in 2020.

However, his career took several unexpected blows. The first blow came in the form of a personal tragedy, but the concerning blow that almost ended his career came with a left-wrist injury in February 2024. The impact of the injury was such that Sakariya felt it would end his playing career.

“When I got injured, I thought I would never come back,” Sakariya told news agency PTI. However, the bowler recently made his return and is taking small steps towards a full-fledged return to the game. “Now, I am feeling very good after playing in this domestic season, feel so good after bowling for Saurashtra,” said the cricketer.

“It was very mentally challenging for me. I didn’t believe that I would be able to play cricket again. Some doctors told me that I might not be able to grip the ball again,” he added.

Sakariya opens up on the toughest phase of life and the support extended by friends and family

However, the wrist injury was not the first time Sakariya’s career was affected. He had to deal with a major challenge back in 2021, when he endured a massive family tragedy. Both his father and brother died around the same time.

Chetan Sakariya has revealed that it was the toughest phase of his life, and he was very young during that time; however, the incidents taught him about resilience. “So at that time, if I hadn’t been a cricketer, I don’t think I would have been able to come back to life. Now, I feel that if any tough situation comes in my life again, I am prepared for it. I know what I have to do,” he said.

Sakariya also claimed that his friends and family were a massive support during that time. They backed him and pushed him to play further again, and hence he started to rehab under the guidance of the Saurashtra Cricket Association.

Chetan Sakariya extends special mention to the KKR coaches for his rehab and training

Chetan Sakariya, despite not having played a single match in the 2024-25 domestic season, found a spot in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, as he was called in to replace an injured Umran Malik. He extended his thanks to Chandrakanth Pandit, the former head coach of KKR, for the belief in him and for aiding his rehab and training in the KKR camp.

He further added that the presence of Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach, in the camp helped Chetan Sakariya improve his knowledge of the game.

“He helped me work on my rhythm and skills. He told me how to advance in modern cricket. After working with Bharat sir for two and a half months, I have improved a lot in my knowledge of bowling,” he explained.

ALSO READ: IPL-winning coach trolls Afghanistan after Jason Gillespie’s bold T20 World Cup final prediction

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opined that the individuality of ODI cricket is lost somewhere between Test cricket’s enduring value and the rising dominance of T20 cricket. He has also shown concern over how individual stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma draw people towards the ODI tournaments, which people do not witness otherwise.

In recent times, T20 cricket around the globe has earned special importance. Ravichandran Ashwin has also noted the same and has opined that the excessive rise of T20 cricket due to its global fanbase and the value of Test cricket is squeezing space for 50-over tournaments.

ODI Cricket is losing its prominence—Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin placed himself in the audience seat and claimed that he is concerned about the future of the ODI format with the retirement of senior cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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“I am not sure about the future of ODI after the 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it. Of course, I am following the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but the manner in which I followed SMAT, I am finding slightly difficult to follow,” Ashwin said on his Hindi YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat.

He stressed the audience’s preference towards watching more of T20s, alongside giving some space to Tests, but no space for ODI cricket. “I feel it is going towards slow death,” said Ravichandran Ashwin bluntly.

Ashwin highlighted the significance of big names like Rohit and Virat in making the game relevant

Ashwin highlighted the importance of big names in every format of the game. He has proved how Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has drawn the attention of people, and as a result, many other young cricketers have also gotten the deserved spotlight.

“Look, Rohit and Virat came back to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and people started watching it. We have known that sport is always bigger than individuals, but at times these players need to come back to make the game relevant,” he observed.

However, on the other hand, Ashwin talks about the changing nature of the one-day format. He claimed the format, which previously gave batters some time to settle down, has now evolved.

“One-day cricket, once upon a time, was an amazing format because it gave a player like MS Dhoni, who would take singles for 10-15 overs before he went berserk at the end,” he said.

According to Ashwin, that style has all but disappeared. “You don’t have players like that anymore, and there isn’t any requirement to play like that, as you are playing with two new balls and five fielders inside the circle,” he said

Ravichandran Ashwin urges ICC to rethink its approach to ODI cricket, comparing it with the FIFA World Cup

The former Indian veteran spinner has pointed out that the ICC needs to rethink its approach for the format and acknowledge the importance of revenue simultaneously.

“The ODI format has become redundant, and to top it, the ICC needs to see how they are conducting these World Cups. Every year, there is an ICC tournament for revenue generation patterns, but then look at how FIFA is doing it,” he said.

He has further opined that too many international fixtures have acted like an overkill in cricket; hence, Ravichandran Ashwin suggested a structure like football, where teams and players are busy in franchise leagues, and the anticipation for a World Cup builds around the four-year gap between two such tournaments.

“If you really want to make ODI cricket relevant, then just play these leagues and play the ODI World Cup once in four years, so when people turn up for events, there will be a sense of expectation,” he said.

ALSO READ: “Why can’t we arrange that?” – Ex-India star questions BCCI over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future