ODI's may die a 'premature death' with 2011 World Cup : Zaheer Abbas

Lahore, Aug.29 (ANI): Expressing concerns over the increasing success and people's overwhelming response to the Twenty20 format of the game, former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has said that 50 over one-day international games might a 'premature death' in days to come.

Criticizing different cricket boards for extensively promoting the bang-bang version of the game, Abbas said : "If such trends continue, one day cricket will die in two year's time."

"If powerful boards like India, Australia and South Africa push for more Twenty20 cricket, I fear it might be the end of ODIs in the next two years," he added.

Abbas feared that the 2011 World Cup might see the end of the 50-overs format of the game.

"I remain a traditionalist at heart and I don't like what I see. I fear for the future of one-day internationals. The 2011 World Cup might well be the last time we see 50-over matches being played anywhere," The Daily Times quoted Abbas, as saying.

Players like former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne are in favour of scrapping the one-day format.

Warne has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to do away with one-day cricket to save the Test format, which is also being threatened by T20's popularity.

With the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deciding to drop the 50-overs format from its 2010 domestic calendar, it's not all well for the once most liked One-day cricket. (ANI)