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The question-marks surrounding the future of 50-over cricket may have gotten bolder recently, with a number of countries opting for alternate formats in their domestic calendars, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) maintains that the 50-over version of the game remains a viable format.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently dumped the Friends Provident Trophy - the traditional domestic 50-over tournament for next season, replacing it with a 40-over event after the counties voted 13-5 on it.

Earlier, the BCCI had scrapped the Deodhar Trophy, the annual zonal 50-over competition, while the domestic limited overs tournament in South Africa is a 45-over affair.

ICC chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat said that while member nations were welcome to experiment and introduce new formats domestically, it was too early to talk about the demise of the 50-over format at the international level.

"The ECB has scrapped their 50-over tournament as it was domestically a viable decision for them," said Lorgat.

Lorgat did admit that the Champions Trophy in South Africa would be a real test for 50-over cricket, adding that the ICC were making huge efforts to spruce up the image of the format.

"We have remodelled the Champions Trophy and in addition to unveiling a shorter and leaner version this time around, there will also be innovations like the winner's jackets," he said.

The Champions Trophy, starting September 22, will be a two-venue event and will host the top eight ODI teams across 14 days.

No window for IPL

Lorgat added that the ICC wouldn't be providing the IPL with a separate window in its next Future Tours Programme (FTP).

"In fact the IPL officials themselves don't want a separate window, they are comfortable with the present format as they have a large pool of players."