'T20 World Cup is not as big as ODI World Cup,' Tamim Iqbal backs 50-over format

KARACHI: Tamim Iqbal has spoken in favour of one-day internationals after many voiced concerns about the future of ODI cricket.

England Test skipper Ben Stokes recently announced his retirement from ODI cricket, citing it's "unsustainable" for him to play all three formats. The all-rounder's retirement caused several cricketers to voice concern about the format's future.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh batter Tamim has backed the format amid its massive criticism.

"If you see the big tournaments of the ICC, then the T20 World Cup is not as big as the ODI World Cup. This is a very important format in cricket," said Tamim told reporters on Thursday.

"I think the ODIs are a very important format. Not only me, but the ICC also said it. Everyone likes to see matches in this format."

Earlier, former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram said that cricket administrators should consider scrapping ODI cricket, while Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja remarked that "ODI cricket is dying a slow death".

It should be mentioned here that Tamim retired from T20 internationals, while he is currently representing Bangladesh in ODIs against Zimbabwe.