Anil Kumble and Virender Sehwag feel there is no need to panic about the future of Test cricket, despite concerns over a worldwide drop in attendances for the longest format of the game.
India head coach Kumble strongly urged the cricketing fraternity to stop talking about the so-called ‘death of Test cricket’ and focus on securing the game’s future.
“I’ll urge every cricket lover, opinion makers and various stakeholders to stop discussing the death of Test cricket. I’m sure people would have spoken about the death of Test cricket probably even during the times of Kerry Packer,” said Kumble.
Sehwag, on the other hand, feels there is no need for new innovations like day/night Tests with a pink ball to keep the format alive. The former Delhi batsman touched upon the point that when two good teams play each other, the crowds usually follow.
“The Test format is very good. There is no need to change. You don’t need to introduce the pink ball to draw the spectators. If good teams like Pakistan, Australia and England come, people will come to the ground automatically and support,” Sehwag said.
The 27-year-old further added that playing Test cricket still remains the pinnacle of the sport and what young cricketers aspire to play.
“The real test for any cricketer lies in Test cricket. It is every young cricketer’s dream to play Test matches. The future is good,” he said
Just last week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced that the pay for Indian Test cricketers has doubled.
Indian cricketers who are part of the playing eleven will now earn Rs. Rs. 15 lakh [AED 82,800] per match while the reserves will earn Rs. 7 lakh [AED 38,600].
It is hoped that the added financial incentives will boost Indian cricket across all three formats by offering higher rewards to the country’s top players.
