- People closely associated with cricket, like true connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, and the ilk, would invariably go to any extent to emphasize the fact that the ultimate test of any cricketer’s abilities/potential/talent will be largely based on performances in the classical format of the sport itself. Ever since the game started, right from the nascent stage, the longer format was always considered the ultimate test. What started as a leisurely game gradually evolved into a very likeable one, attracting scores of true patrons around the world. Yes, cricket may not be as popular as some of the most followed sports in the world, viz. football, tennis, hockey, and other remarkable ones. But commands a passionate following in the most populous country, like India.
PC: India Today
- As quintessential cricket lovers, we are aware of how the sport has evolved over the last couple of decades with the advent of the shortest format of the game, T20 cricket. Between the classic five-day Test and the 20-over ultra format, the 50-over format has also held a greater sway over the last few decades. The quadrennial 50-over World Cup is very popular, enjoying a humongous following among the cricket-playing nations even now. Inarguably, the advent of the extremely popular slam-bang variety T20 format has undoubtedly galvanized the revenue-earning potential manifold. The present generation of cricket lovers embracing the format with gay abandon is stating the obvious. The craze for the shortest version is unbelievable.
PC: Sky Sports
- The proliferation of T20 franchise-based leagues around the world is a testament to the fact that the consumption of the format is terrific, exponentially reaching stratospheric levels. Millions are flocking to the stadium to soak in the electrifying atmosphere, the razzmatazz, and the batters relentlessly hitting sixes/fours to satiate the cravers. The money being poured into the format is crazy, tempting every board to come out with a league of its own. Where there is patronage, expect the market dynamics to play out naturally, ushering in cash-rich sponsors willing to dish out millions. The moot point to ponder over here is that the focus should not deviate too much into T20 cricket, with adequate importance reserved for the classic five-day Tests remaining intact.
PC: Hindustan Times
- Note that Test cricket continues to thrive in a few countries like England, Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa. Of all these nations, India is the only country that generates almost 70% of the revenue for the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of the sheer size of the patronage emanating from the Indian fans. As such, Test cricket should be accorded due importance by preserving the format at all costs. Here, the respective boards must realise that the way to ensure the longer format continues is to strengthen the domestic competitions by encouraging large participation. The performances in Tests hold testimony to the caliber of a player. Hopefully, Tests will continue to receive more than adequate attention to sustain for eternity.
