Major Reforms in Modern Cricket

One-Day Revolution

One Day International (ODI) cricket started in the 1970s. This was the first big modern change. Cricket needed more exciting, shorter games. England and Australia played the first ODI in 1971. This format brought new features:

Limited overs
Fielding restrictions
Colored clothing The 1975 World Cup proved ODIs were popular. It changed how people played and watched cricket.

World Series Cricket Impact

Kerry Packer started World Series Cricket in the late 1970s. At first, many opposed it. But it brought many new ideas:

Night cricket with lights
Colored uniforms
White balls
Better TV coverage It made cricket pay players properly. The sport became more professional. Players got better conditions.

Technology Integration

Technology changed how cricket works. The Decision Review System (DRS) started in 2008. It uses special tools:

Hawk-Eye
Hot Spot
Ultra-edge These tools help make better decisions. Teams must use reviews carefully.

Twenty20 Innovation

Twenty20 cricket began in 2003. This was perhaps the biggest modern change. The games are fast and exciting. Some traditional fans doubted it at first. The Indian Premier League (IPL) started in 2008. It mixed sports with entertainment. Players could earn more money.

Playing Conditions Reform

Cricket updated many playing rules. New rules include:

Free hits for no-balls
Powerplay rules
Limits on bat sizes Day-night Test matches started in 2015. This helped Test cricket fit modern viewing habits.

Governance Restructuring

Cricket’s management changed significantly. The International Cricket Council (ICC) changed its power structure. They changed how money is shared. The ‘Big Three’ model started in 2014. They later changed it. The World Test Championship gave more meaning to Test series.

Player Welfare Initiatives

Cricket now cares more about players’ health:

Concussion substitutes allowed
Rules about bowling workload
Better weather safety rules The sport helps with mental health. Players get more support.

Commercial Evolution

Cricket’s business side has changed completely. New developments include:

Central contracts for players
Franchise leagues
Better TV rights deals Digital platforms changed how fans watch cricket. The sport presents itself in new ways.

Conclusion

Cricket has changed from a traditional game to a modern sport. It attracts new fans while keeping old ones. Some changes caused debate. But cricket keeps adapting while keeping its core nature. Changes continue as society and technology advance.