The survey done by WCA

The landscape of cricket's global appeal and player preferences is shifting, as highlighted by recent survey data from the World Cricketers Association (WCA).

Over the past five years, there has been a notable shift in players' perceptions of the most important ICC event. In 2019, 85% of respondents considered the 50-over World Cup as the most important, compared to only 15% for the T20 World Cup. By 2024, the gap has significantly narrowed, with 50% still favouring the 50-over World Cup, while 35% now prefer the T20 World Cup. This shift is even more pronounced among younger players, where 41% now favour the T20 World Cup compared to 49% for the 50-over format.

The survey also reflects changing preferences in cricket formats. In 2019, 82% of players prioritised Test cricket as the most important format, with only 11% choosing T20. In 2024, this has shifted to 48% for Test cricket and 30% for T20 cricket, indicating a significant rise in the popularity of the shortest format among players.

The survey included responses from approximately 330 professional players across 13 countries, predominantly current internationals. It noted a higher proportion of female respondents in 2024, but trends remained consistent among male players when analysed separately.

WCA's chief executive, Tom Moffat, emphasised the need for collective player involvement in discussions about cricket's future, particularly regarding scheduling and structural issues. He highlighted concerns about the impact of bilateral cricket schedules overlapping with lucrative franchise leagues, potentially dividing player priorities and affecting the quality of international cricket.

The renegotiation of players' squad terms by WCA and ICC was seen as a step towards empowering players, especially from smaller nations, by securing fair commercial and image rights deals for the next four years.

Overall, the survey underscores cricket's evolving dynamics, where T20 cricket, including the T20 World Cup, is gaining prominence among players, particularly the younger generation. This trend poses challenges and opportunities for cricket's governance, requiring thoughtful management of international and franchise league schedules to sustain the sport's global appeal and competitiveness.