Adam Zampa Reflects on ODI Cricket's Future

Adam Zampa acknowledges that the future of ODI cricket is uncertain, but he believes it remains a priority for young cricketers, even with the crowded schedule and the rise of franchise tournaments. As he prepares to play his 100th ODI in the upcoming match against England at Trent Bridge, Zampa has solidified his place as Australia's key white-ball bowler. He pointed out that, for him, international cricket will always hold greater significance than franchise T20, and while he hasn’t set a clear timeline for his career, his goal is to win "many more" World Cups.

A recent survey by the World Cricketers Association highlighted a narrowing gap between the importance of men's ODI and T20 World Cup titles, with 50% still favouring the ODI format and 35% choosing T20. Zampa commented on this, noting the ongoing discussions about the future of the ODI format but stating that playing for Australia remains the ultimate goal for young players.

He acknowledged the opportunities that franchise cricket offers but stressed that representing one's country is still the top priority. "There's talk about a saturated market with all the franchise leagues, but they provide valuable opportunities for players to develop," he said. "However, playing for your country still feels like the main goal. I don’t know how the format will evolve in the coming years, but I believe ODI cricket remains a great format, and young players still see it as a chance to represent their nation."

Zampa, who is Australia's second-greatest white-ball spinner after Shane Warne, led the team's wicket tally in both their 2021 T20 World Cup victory (13 wickets) and the 2023 ODI World Cup (23 wickets). Although Australia fell short in the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups, Zampa remains a key player for the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka.

He remarked on the pride of playing for his country, stating that winning for Australia surpasses the experience of winning in franchise cricket. "Playing franchise tournaments like The Hundred was great, but the feeling of winning for your country, especially in World Cups, is unmatched. I’m still driven to win more."

As Zampa reaches this milestone of 100 ODIs, he will be joined by his wife Harriet, their baby boy, and his parents, making the occasion even more special. "It means a lot to me," Zampa shared. "I never imagined I’d play this many games for Australia."