The return of ODI tri-series could be on the cards as cricket boards look for meaningful preparation ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. Tri-series tournaments, once a regular feature of international cricket, provide teams with competitive matches against multiple opponents while allowing players to test combinations and conditions. Recent discussions around bringing back the format have increased interest, particularly with the 2027 World Cup approaching. The three hosts—South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia—are already set to feature in a historic T20I tri-series beginning on August 28, 2026, highlighting the renewed appeal of multi-team tournaments. If ODI tri-series return, they could offer valuable preparation, tactical flexibility and high-pressure experience before the World Cup.
ODI tri-series are amongst the most exciting campaigns in cricket
This update is based on reports from Khelnow
One-Day Internationals (ODIs) have been a major part of international cricket for more than five decades, with the first-ever ODI played in 1971. Over the years, the format has undergone several changes. Matches were initially played over 60 overs per innings before being reduced to 50 overs. The introduction of white balls also replaced the traditional red ball used in the format.
Despite these changes, ODI cricket remains one of the most important formats for determining the best team in the world. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the sport’s biggest international tournament, is contested in the ODI format, with nations battling for the prestigious World Cup trophy.
With T20 cricket dominating the modern game and Test cricket retaining its traditional place, discussions about the future of ODIs have intensified. Some experts have suggested reducing matches to 40 overs, while others believe the format should remain unchanged.
Indian captain Shubman Gill has strongly supported keeping ODI cricket in its current form. Instead of altering the format, Gill has called for more ODI tri-series to provide teams with greater competitive opportunities. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould has also backed Gill’s view, suggesting that ODI tri-series could make a comeback in the near future.
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Richard Gould backs Shubman Gill’s call for more ODI tri-series
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A few weeks ago, during a press conference, Shubman Gill suggested that introducing more triangular series could help make ODI cricket more exciting again, rather than relying heavily on bilateral series.
He recalled how popular triangular tournaments featuring teams such as India, Australia and Sri Lanka once were and expressed his desire to play in such competitions again. Gill explained that facing multiple teams instead of repeatedly playing the same opponent could make ODI cricket more engaging for both players and fans. He also suggested that triangular or even quadrangular tournaments could be an effective way to add more excitement to the format.
According to Dainik Jagran, ECB CEO Richard Gould has acknowledged Gill’s comments and hinted that an ODI tri-series could potentially take place in the near future. Gould revealed that several tri-series fixtures are already scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months.
He added that England’s current schedule is designed to avoid an overly congested calendar, but the ECB remains open to considering tri-series as a possible option going forward.