Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq thinks Test cricket will die in 15 years, with T20 cricket dominating the scene, if the correct measures aren’t taken soon.
Players around the world have started to pick the shorter format over the other two, leaving question marks over the future of Test cricket and fifty-over cricket. New Zealand veteran seamer Trent Boult recently opted out of the central contract to participate more in T20 franchise leagues. The South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock had retired from Test cricket last year.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Mushtaq said that the players will prefer T20 cricket over the longer format. He understands that the T20 format offers more money and fame for much less hard work and time compared to Test cricket.
“I feel even Test cricket will die in the next 15-20 years. With the younger generation and the mindset that they have, they will naturally want to play T20 cricket. Even with the financial side and time taken into consideration, T20 cricket ticks most boxes,”
he said.
The former spinner, who played 49 Tests for Pakistan, urged the ICC and other cricket boards to find a solution to keep Test cricket alive. He believes it’s the purest form of cricket, which teaches important life skills.
“The ICC and the cricket boards will need to find a way to keep Test cricket alive. It is Test cricket that helps you learn life skills like strategies, patience, decision-making etc. If you want money and fame, then there’s T20 cricket. But if you want life skills and want to play the purest form of cricket, then it’s Test cricket,”
he said.
Mushtaq’s fear isn’t unreasonable as there has been a massive surge in franchise T20 leagues around the globe. There are several top leagues currently such as Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Australia’s Big Bash League, England’s Hundred, Lanka Premier League and Caribbean Premier League. Two more tournaments have been launched from next year, with South Africa and the UAE joining the race.
