The T20 World Cup is rapidly emerging as a leading ICC event, overtaking the 50-over World Cup in significance for professional cricketers worldwide. Recent survey data, obtained by ESPNcricinfo, highlights a growing preference for the T20 format, particularly among younger players. The shift underscores a significant transformation in players’ perceptions of international cricket priorities.
The World Cricketers Association (WCA), formerly known as FICA, conducts regular global surveys targeting hundreds of professional cricketers. The 2024 data reveals that T20 cricket is increasingly recognized as a major career milestone, reflecting both the sport’s evolving dynamics and the rise of franchise leagues worldwide.
Changing Perceptions Since 2019
Comparisons with 2019 survey data demonstrate a clear trend. In 2019, 85% of respondents identified the 50-over World Cup as the most important ICC event, with only 15% favoring the T20 World Cup. Five years later, the balance has shifted: only 50% now prioritize the 50-over tournament, while 35% consider the T20 World Cup the most significant, and 15% opt for the World Test Championship.
This trend is most pronounced among younger players. Cricketers under 26 show a remarkable shift, with just 49% ranking the 50-over World Cup highest in 2024, down from 86% in 2019. Meanwhile, 41% of this age group now favor the T20 World Cup, with 10% opting for the World Test Championship, indicating a generational shift in priorities.
T20 Cricket Surges Across Formats
The rise of T20 cricket extends beyond ICC events. In 2019, 82% of players deemed Test cricket the most important format, with only 11% supporting T20. This year, only 48% favor Test matches, while 30% now see T20 as the leading format.
The WCA’s 2024 survey included approximately 330 professional players from 13 countries, primarily current international players. Although the data features a higher proportion of female respondents, the overarching trends remain consistent when analyzing male player responses separately.
Survey Representation and Limitations
It’s essential to note that players from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were excluded from the survey due to the limited union membership in these countries. Despite this, responses span major cricketing nations including Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The WCA emphasizes that while the survey may not capture every cricketing perspective, it provides a reliable snapshot of the global sentiment of professional players. The data suggests an undeniable shift in focus toward T20 cricket as a priority in modern careers.
Player Perspectives During the T20 World Cup
Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, met players during the group stages of the T20 World Cup in New York and Barbados. He described the tournament as “a great spectacle” and reiterated that the latest survey reinforces the growing trend toward T20 cricket.
“This Men’s T20 World Cup has highlighted how players are increasingly prioritizing the shorter format,” Moffat said. “The evolution of the game requires us to listen to players’ insights, as their preferences are actively shaping the future of cricket.”
Scheduling Challenges in Modern Cricket
The WCA plans to invite players to scheduling symposiums in August and September to address the sport’s structural challenges. Moffat notes that rapid changes in cricket’s global landscape require collective decision-making to resolve scheduling and governance issues.
“Scheduling is still largely managed by individual boards and regional priorities,” Moffat explained. “Some countries have nearly filled their international calendars for the next decade, creating conflicts with domestic T20 leagues and player availability.”
He emphasized that the rise of franchise cricket has altered player priorities and economic incentives, making bilateral international fixtures less attractive. Without collective management, cricket risks splitting into parallel calendars, reducing opportunities for top-level international competition.
Finding Balance Between International and T20 Leagues
Moffat believes that maintaining two separate cricketing calendars, one for international matches and another for domestic T20 leagues, threatens the integrity of top-level competition. “We must find a structure where both landscapes coexist,” he said. “This requires scheduling windows and a properly coordinated international calendar.”
The WCA stresses that players should have a central role in decisions that impact their careers, from game structure to regulations. “Players are invested in the success of cricket. Their input is essential to ensure the sport grows sustainably while keeping international cricket competitive,” Moffat added.
Player Rights and ICC Agreements
The WCA and ICC have recently renegotiated the terms for players’ squads for the next four years of ICC events, covering both commercial and image rights. These agreements were finalized just before the T20 World Cup, following months of negotiation.
The new collective model aims to support players from smaller nations, ensuring equitable benefits and protections. The agreement highlights the growing influence of players in shaping the business and governance of cricket globally.
Future of ICC Events
The survey findings suggest that the T20 World Cup may soon rival or even surpass the ODI World Cup in perceived importance among players. Young cricketers, in particular, view T20 as the benchmark for career achievements, reflecting the influence of global franchise leagues and evolving fan engagement patterns.
This shift may also influence ICC decision-making, scheduling priorities, and tournament marketing strategies, as governing bodies respond to player preferences and the commercial realities of modern cricket.
FAQs
What does the latest player survey reveal?
The survey reveals that players are increasingly viewing the T20 World Cup as the most important ICC event. This trend is especially strong among younger cricketers under 26, indicating a generational shift.
How have preferences changed since 2019?
In 2019, most players favored the ODI World Cup over T20 cricket. By 2024, the T20 World Cup will have gained considerable importance, reducing the ODI World Cup’s dominance.
Which countries were included in the survey?
The survey included players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and other nations. India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were not represented due to a lack of union membership among players.
How does this affect scheduling?
Franchise leagues and international cricket increasingly overlap, creating calendar conflicts for players. The WCA emphasizes that players must have input to manage schedules effectively and fairly.
What is the long-term impact on cricket?
T20 cricket’s rise may reshape ICC event priorities and player focus in the coming years. It highlights the need to strike a balance between international cricket and franchise leagues, while maintaining the sport’s competitiveness.
Conclusion
The WCA survey highlights a clear shift in global player preferences, with T20 cricket gaining prominence over traditional formats. Younger cricketers are increasingly prioritizing the T20 World Cup, reflecting the changing dynamics influenced by franchise leagues and heightened fan engagement. The findings emphasize the need for players to be involved in scheduling and governance decisions to ensure that both international and T20 cricket thrive, shaping the future landscape of the sport in a sustainable and competitive manner.
