T20 vs Tests

After the introduction of T20 format in the past few years, it has become evident that the Test format, the oldest format of cricket, is now in danger of fading away with more and more nations taking to the shorter and much exciting format of T20.

Such were the discussions that formed a major part of the two-day MCC World Cricket Committee meeting held at the Lord's cricket ground.

According to the committee Test cricket throughout the world is in danger of dying out although a few renowned seroes like the Ashes are still fueling the flame. The claim was backed by MCC's research which showed that attendances at Test cricket have declined in the past few years and also there is a growing ambivalence towards the longer format of the game from cricketers in certain nations.

Apart from that, when players were surveyed regarding the concerns, majority said that an IPL contract was their main career aspiration. The unveiling of such matters has certainly come at a time when steps must be taken towards improvement while the committee has demanded stricter controls on the amount of international players in the IPL.

The committee statement added, "The committee is deeply concerned that the proliferation of lucrative domestic Twenty20 leagues, such as the IPL, will lead to the premature retirement of quality international cricketers. Those from the lower-ranked Test nations could be particularly susceptible to such a career choice, based on earnings alone."

The meeting also hosted a discussion over the formation of a so called World Test Championship, like the ODI world cup or T20 world cup. The committee said that the game "needs a World Test Championship and it needs one within the short-term. Work should commence immediately on devising the appropriate format."

Similar thoughts were shared by veteran Steve Waugh who is a member of the committee, "Test cricketers want to play for a world championship, like what happens in one-day and Twenty20. Something has to be done to lift the game's profile." While, the New Zealander Martin Crowe suggested an 8-team format where teams play 3-match series and then move into the semi-finals and final.

India’s own Rahul Dravid who also is a committee member said that if the players have something to play for then it's definitely going to make a difference as it would help motivate players.

The discussions also ventured into other territories of the game like playing day-night games using a pink ball. MCC's head of cricket John Stephenson said, "We are hoping to stage one here next year against Bangladesh. We would like to experiment with a pink ball. We've done the research and think it's worth trying. We want to safeguard the future of Test cricket."

Lalit Modi however defended his baby saying that the only reason the IPL has seen so much success is because it is market driven. Though about cricket, the IPL is also about representation, advertising and media. Lalit Modi is IPL’s chairman and commissioner, and has also suggested a twin IPL series in the future.