Cricket’s Shifting Landscape: T20 World Cup Eclipses 50-Over Format in Player Preferences
According to the latest survey data from the newly-rebranded World Cricketers Association (WCA), formerly known as FICA, the T20 World Cup is poised to overtake the 50-over World Cup as the most important ICC event in the eyes of players around the world.
The survey, which polled around 330 professional players from 13 different countries, the majority of whom are current internationals, reveals a stark shift in player preferences over the past five years. In 2019, 85% of respondents ranked the 50-over World Cup as the most important ICC event, compared to just 15% who chose the T20 World Cup. However, in 2024, the landscape has changed dramatically, with only 50% of players selecting the 50-over format as the most significant, while 35% now consider the T20 World Cup as the top priority and 15% favor the World Test Championship.
“This Men’s T20 World Cup has been a great spectacle, and our latest global player survey data continues to highlight the trend in player preferences towards T20 cricket in particular,” said Tom Moffat, the WCA’s chief executive.
The trend is even more pronounced among younger players. In 2019, 86% of respondents under 26 years old picked the 50-over World Cup, compared to 14% who chose the T20 World Cup. But in 2024, just 49% of this age group selected the 50-over format, while 41% preferred the T20 World Cup and 10% opted for the World Test Championship.
This shift in player preferences extends beyond just ICC events. Five years ago, 82% of survey respondents considered Test cricket as the most important format, while 11% chose T20. However, in the latest survey, only 48% of players selected Test cricket as the top format, with 30% now favoring T20.
Moffat emphasizes the need for collective discussions and involvement of players in decisions that impact their careers, particularly when it comes to scheduling and the co-existence of international cricket and domestic T20 leagues. “The players drive and are invested in the game’s success, and their decisions are shaping its future,” he added.
The WCA’s survey data underscores the evolving dynamics within the sport, as cricket enthusiasts and administrators navigate the shifting landscape of player preferences, from traditional formats to the growing prominence of the T20 World Cup.
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