The cricketing world is abuzz with a familiar yet potent controversy. As the next T20 World Cup draws closer, veteran commentator and former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has thrown down a gauntlet, boldly declaring that the 50-over World Cup is the only “real” one. His comments have sparked a fresh wave of debate about the legacy, prestige, and very credibility of the shortest format’s global showpiece.
Manjrekar’s stance isn’t just a casual opinion; it’s a deeply held belief rooted in the history and structure of international cricket. He argues that the original four-year cycle of the ODI World Cup, which began in 1975, has built an unparalleled legacy over nearly five decades [[18]]. This long gestation period, he contends, allows for narratives to build, rivalries to intensify, and the tournament to become a true pinnacle event for players and fans alike.
In contrast, the T20 World Cup, which started in 2007 and has been held every two years (with some exceptions), lacks this gravitas in his view. He believes its biennial nature dilutes its specialness, making it feel more like another major tournament rather than *the* definitive championship of the sport [[5]]. For Manjrekar, the term “World Cup” should be reserved solely for the 50-over contest, suggesting the T20 version should revert to its original name, “World T20,” to reflect its different standing [[2]].
Interestingly, Manjrekar’s view finds a powerful echo in the current Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. Rohit has been vocal about his personal connection to the 50-over World Cup, often calling it the “actual World Cup” [[12]]. Having grown up watching the iconic moments from the 1983 and 1987 tournaments, the ODI World Cup holds a unique emotional and professional significance for him.
“Since childhood, I’ve grown up watching the 50-over World Cup so, for me, this is the biggest moment,” Rohit stated, highlighting the generational weight the tournament carries [[11]]. This sentiment from a modern-day superstar who has dominated the T20 format adds a fascinating layer to the debate, showing that even among the game’s current elite, the ODI World Cup retains a special, almost sacred, place.
The ODI World Cup’s claim to being the premier event is backed by its rich tapestry of history. From Clive Lloyd’s West Indies in 1975 to Kapil Dev’s miraculous win in 1983, and Australia’s era of dominance from 1999 to 2015, the tournament has been the stage for cricket’s most defining moments [[17]]. Its quadrennial rhythm has created a sense of anticipation and consequence that is hard to replicate.
Each edition feels like a culmination of a four-year cycle, where preparation, planning, and performance are all geared towards one ultimate goal. This structure has cemented its position as the benchmark for a team’s and a player’s greatness in the limited-overs arena. The Champions Trophy, despite its quality, has never managed to usurp its throne, a point Manjrekar himself has emphasized [[8]].
However, dismissing the T20 World Cup‘s credibility is a stance that many in the modern game would challenge. Here’s why:
While it may not have the same historical lineage, the T20 World Cup has quickly carved out its own legacy of iconic moments, from India’s inaugural win in 2007 to the West Indies’ back-to-back triumphs. To its millions of fans, it is every bit as real and important as its older sibling.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s provocative statement forces us to confront a fundamental question about the soul of modern cricket. Is prestige solely a function of history and tradition, or can it be earned through contemporary relevance, global appeal, and sheer entertainment value? The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle. The 50-over World Cup remains the grandest narrative in ODI cricket, a testament to endurance and strategic depth. Yet, the T20 World Cup is the vibrant, unpredictable heartbeat of the game’s present and future. Perhaps cricket is simply large enough to hold two crowns, each magnificent in its own right. The debate, much like the sport itself, is far from over.
The much-anticipated inaugural Pro10 Malaysia cricket tournament, originally set to tip off on January 30,…
In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, England edged past New…
In a high-stakes Group D encounter at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan’s young…
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has ignited a fresh debate by taking a sharp, sarcastic…
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has boldly confirmed he’ll bat at No. 3 in the…
With the T20I series already sealed, all eyes are on Thiruvananthapuram as India wraps up…