T20 is fast food, bad habit: Miandad by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

Javed Miandad

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DateLine: 2nd July 2009

 

Former Pakistan Test skipper Javed Miandad said that Twenty20 cricket is posing a major threat to Test cricket in the sub-continent.

 

Miandad's statements came after suggestions came from ICC to reduce Test cricket matches to four-days and introduce coloured balls and coloured clothing under lights in the 5-day format.

 

"There is no doubt that T20 cricket is undermining Test cricket and they are many reasons for this," Miandad said.

 

"Take India's example. Players like Yusuf Pathan are more popular than most of his more illustrious teammates because of T20 cricket. It is just like fast food, a bad habit."

 

The right-hander though had no qualms about the future of Tests in countries like England, South Africa and Australia, where it was still popular.

 

"It is in countries like Pakistan and India where it is under threat. One reason for this is also economic condition of the people. Everything is so expensive for our masses," he said.

 

Suggestions have come from ICC president, David Morgan, about reducing Tests to four-day matches instead of the traditional five days.

 

Morgan had said that since the longer format of the game faces a challenge from the growing popularity of Twenty20, there is a need to look at revamping the same.

 

Miandad though cautioned the ICC against trying to change the traditional format of the game.

 

"Any moves to reduce the number of days in a Test or introduce night matches and coloured balls will only prove counter-productive," he said.

 

Miandad said that instead of taking such measures that threaten the spirit of the game, the apex body should look at other ways and make sure all formats survive together.

 

"The ICC should involve more former players in consultations and find ways to keep the interest in Test cricket alive. As it is now, Test cricket is about 90 overs a day, you can't do more to get results," he said.

 

"Test cricket must remain the way it is or else cricket will lose its special appeal to the people as well. Cricket lovers want to see Test matches," he said.