Moeen Ali calls ODI cricket the worst format due to rule changes

Former England cricketer Moeen Ali has criticized One Day International (ODI) cricket, calling it the worst format to play due to recent rule changes that have made it harder for bowlers to create pressure. Speaking on TalkSport Cricket, Moeen claimed that ODI cricket has "completely died outside of the ICC Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy" and pointed to factors such as fielding restrictions and the use of two new balls as major issues.

As shorter formats like T20 and T10 gain popularity, ODI cricket has struggled to maintain relevance. England, despite their 2019 World Cup triumph, has since performed poorly in the format, winning just three out of nine matches in their 2023 World Cup title defense and failing to secure a single victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"The format has almost completely died out, apart from World Cups and the Champions Trophy. It is the worst format to play, and I think there are many reasons for that," Moeen said.

The 37-year-old, who played 138 ODIs for England, scoring 2,355 runs and taking 111 wickets, singled out the rule requiring one extra fielder inside the circle after the powerplay as particularly damaging.

"I think the rules are terrible. To have that extra fielder in after the first powerplay is a horrendous rule for taking wickets and building any sort of pressure. Batters are averaging 60 or 70 now because of that," Moeen said. "When you're bowling and put a little bit of pressure, the batter just reverse-sweeps for four. There's always an option available for them to score."

Impact of two new balls and franchise cricket

Moeen also criticized the use of two new balls from both ends, a rule introduced in the early 2010s, which he believes has eliminated the art of reverse swing and made batting much easier.

"With two new balls, you lose reverse swing, you lose the challenge of hitting a softer ball. Everything is always crisp and flying off the bat. For these reasons, 50-over cricket has died," he added.

Beyond the rule changes, Moeen pointed to the rise of franchise cricket and the lucrative contracts available in T20 leagues as another reason for ODI cricket’s decline.

"The problem is the money being thrown around. It's so much that players can't turn it down. Many will retire early from international cricket to play franchise cricket," Moeen explained.

Having retired from international cricket last year, Moeen will continue his career in franchise leagues, including the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), where he will play for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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