Mumbai, Apr 23: In the wake of the rising popularity of the Twenty20 format of cricket, some major changes were required in the One-day International version so as to let it survive, said former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram.

He said that there was a need to make ODIs more interesting and exciting. He said at times he himself got bored watching the 50-over matches in middle stages.

“Twenty20 is gaining popularity as it is exciting, aimed at younger generation who wants to watch a high-class sport in three to four hours time. Twenty20 is good for the game’s future but not quality cricket. To protect real competition like ODIs or Tests, the ICC needs to think of revolutionary rule changes,” the Dawn quoted Wasim as saying.

The IPL is good, but credit to launch this sort of tournament be given to the ICL, he said, adding “I think the Indian board started working on IPL after the ICL. I know these events mean good money for the players and entertain crowds but are also going to damage traditional cricket in the long run.”

Wasim said he was happy to see players were getting paid well. “I think boards of various countries should also think about raising pay packages of their players or else we will have a situation where players might opt to give preference to private Twenty20 leagues instead of national teams.”

On the idea of playing Test cricket in nights under floodlights, Wasim said the concept was not bad and could be worked out. (ANI)