Lalit Modi Proposes Franchise-Owned Test Teams and Four-Day Day-Night Matches

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Lalit Modi has stirred a fresh debate over the future of international cricket, calling for radical structural changes and even suggesting that One-Day Internationals (ODIs) should be discontinued to save Test cricket. Speaking in an interview with ANI in London, Modi warned that traditional bilateral Test series are at risk of fading away unless the sport adopts franchise-driven commercial models similar to the IPL.

Modi argued that the financial and audience dynamics of modern cricket have shifted so drastically that Test cricket cannot survive in its current bilateral format. He said that franchise-based structures are now essential to sustain the longest format of the game, which he described as increasingly unviable without strong commercial backing. According to him, the future of cricket depends on integrating entertainment-driven models with traditional formats.

Taking his argument further, Modi proposed the elimination of ODIs, calling the 50-over format “obsolete” in the modern sporting ecosystem. He insisted that the focus should be on preserving Test cricket while allowing it to evolve into shorter or more commercially adaptable versions. His comments have reignited long-standing debates about the relevance of ODIs in a cricket landscape increasingly dominated by T20 leagues.

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Modi also suggested an IPL-style restructuring of Test cricket, including proposals for franchise ownership of Test teams. He argued that allowing IPL franchises to manage red-ball sides could help build younger fan bases and strengthen loyalty through club-based identities. He further proposed exhibition-style test matches and a global “world championship” format to maintain international competition while increasing engagement.

Addressing scheduling concerns, Modi pointed to long gaps between Test series as evidence of the format’s declining prominence. He cited the growing dominance of franchise leagues and ICC events as factors that have squeezed traditional cricket calendars, leaving extended periods without red-ball matches. He also suggested reducing tests from five days to four and introducing day-night fixtures to improve attendance and global viewership.

Concluding his remarks, Modi said modern audiences no longer have the patience for five-day matches in an on-demand entertainment era and insisted that cricket must adapt to survive. While acknowledging that his proposals may be controversial, he maintained that innovation is necessary to prevent Test cricket from becoming commercially unsustainable in the long run.

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