Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed discontent with the ICC’s decision to sanction the T10 league. He pointed out that, with ODI cricket already facing scrutiny, the introduction of the T10 format seemed unnecessary, given the T20 format’s success globally.
Chopra’s remarks came in response to a fan’s question on his YouTube channel about whether the ICC should endorse a T10 tournament. Although he wasn’t keen on the idea, he conceded that the 10-over format is likely to persist due to the established interest in it.
He noted that the ICC’s endorsement of the league indicates its future presence in international cricket, despite his personal reservations. Chopra argued that the T20 format has been effective and did not warrant the addition of the T10 format. He also pointed out how the 20-over format had given a new lease of life to ODIs, which are now in decline.
“Where will we stop? First 20-20, T20, then T10, 10-10, then 5-5. I mean, where do you want to stop? It is inevitable. I am not saying that it won’t happen. If will happen definitely. Because now the mind has been made that T10 is here to stay. You have also allowed a league. It doesn’t happen without ICC’s permission. You have allowed it.
“It is bound to happen. When will it happen? I don’t know. At some stage, T10 will be played. How soon? I don’t know. Personally, I am not a huge fan. Why? Because T20 has not done anything wrong. ODI cricket was starting to lag. It was getting a little boring. T20 cricket gave it space.”
The ICC has allowed the T10 league to happen in Abu Dhabi. Various superstars have been part of the league and have expressed their interest in playing the format. It also has seen crowds coming to witness the games in the format as it’s less time-consuming. Also, there have been other T10 leagues as well
In T20 cricket, nothing has happened that you think it is boring – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that T20 cricket is not boring as people are connected with it but when it’s boring then T10 might come into place. He also highlighted that it’s only in cricket that the format changes. He explained:
“So T20 cricket did that work. Now in T20 cricket, nothing has happened that you think it is boring. If it happens, then change it. But if not, then stay connected with a format. Otherwise, how many formats do you need? Our game is such that there are so many formats. There is Test, ODI, T20, now play T10.
“Watch tennis, football, badminton. Formats don’t change. Only singles and doubles happen. That’s about it. Formats don’t change. Our format changes. It is a different story,” he concluded.
