The ODI tri-series returns as Pakistan host New Zealand and South Africa

Cricket fans of a certain age will remember fondly the concept of the ODI tri-series, a fixture in the calendar during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. A rage in the 80s, when coloured clothing became a fad, the three-team series continued through the next decade as ODI cricket became a money-minting machine, and the concept enjoyed some success in the first half of the 2000s before T20 cricket started to expand. 

However, with the advent of the lucrative IPL in 2008, and subsequently the mushrooming of other T20 leagues, the tri-series was shoved into a corner and became almost obsolete. The last ODI tri-series was held at Malahide in 2019 when hosts Ireland played West Indies and eventual winners, Bangladesh. For the last time two top ODI sides contested a tri-series, look back to 2016 when then World Cup champions Australia beat South Africa and hosts West Indies. India’s last appearance at a tri-series was in early 2015. 

Now, more than five years on from the previous tri-series, Pakistan host New Zealand and South Africa in a very short three-team affair as buildup to the ICC Champions Trophy. 

Given the way that ODI cricket is played these days, and the genuine concerns over the format’s future, this tri-series should be viewed with a degree of anticipation. Of course, the very short nature of the contest and the fact that it coincides with another ODI series involving India and England might dwarf its significance, but still, the fact that a three-team series is being played demands attention.

ODI cricket, outside of ICC events and the Asia Cup, needs context to survive. Very few bilateral series not involving India, Australia and England attract eyeballs or major sponsors, and the quality of cricket has also dipped across the board. England, who won the ODI World Cup for the first time in 2019, have drastically reduced playing 50-over cricket. They were abject at the 2023 World Cup, where they finished seventh and exited in round one, and since that edition they have won four of 11 ODIs and lost all three bilateral series they’ve contested, including back-to-back tours of the West Indies. 

In this writer’s view, for the ODI format to survive, the return of the tri-series and even quadrangular is a must, for bilaterals just don’t cut it anymore. While you won’t hear many international cricketers say it out loud, ODI series outside of World Cups do not ignite players as much as they used to. 

Rohit Sharma, India’s current captain, addressed the issue a couple years ago and stressed on the packed scheduling. Chris Gayle, who is West Indies’ all-time leading run-getter in the format, told me in 2023 that during his last stage as an ODI player, he found standing in the field for 50 overs a chore. Many prominent former cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram, have suggested tweaks to the ODI format. Nothing has been actioned upon. 

Since tweaks do not seem likely, the ICC, despite the advertising potential that an ODI offers on account of its duration, would thus do well to cut down on unnecessary five-match bilaterals and fit in some tri-series and quadrangulars. 

Thus, I will be watching closely this tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa – three teams that many fans and pundits view as genuine Champions Trophy semi-finalists – to see whether the quality of cricket is of an engaging standard. Because, albeit in a small capacity, the success or failure of this series could dictate whether we see more such tri-series be scheduled.