Why are Pakistan playing such few Tests?

[Relic]

I looked at the FTP for Pakistan and we're only playing 7 tests in 2020. How are we supposed to develop our players when we're only playing 7 matches.
That's nearly the lowest amount of matches for any of the test playing nations.
It's even lower than the amount of matches the West Indies will be playing.
Even Bangladesh are playing more (11).
Will Pakistan schedule any matches that are not currently in their FTP for 2020?

 

[Abdullah719]

It's not unique to Pakistan, to be honest. India and South Africa are scheduled to play just 6 Tests apiece next year, for example.

The larger issue is the number of 2 Test series. Thus, we have only 9 apiece for 2021 and 2022 as well.

Hopefully there are more Tests negotiated in future FTPs.

 

[Pete Rose]

The damage was done this year. This is our second test in 2019. While all the bigger teams have played at least 10 teams each.
The ftp is set up to ensure that the big three play more than anyone else and have the greater chance to qualify. I would be more outraged as a Pakistani fan if we actually had any pedigree in test cricket. Which we don’t.

 

[Relic]

It's not unique to Pakistan, to be honest. India and South Africa are scheduled to play just 6 Tests apiece next year, for example.

The larger issue is the number of 2 Test series. Thus, we have only 9 apiece for 2021 and 2022 as well and they played a lot more tests than us in 2019.

Hopefully there are more Tests negotiated in future FTPs.

But India are going to play nearly double the matches that we're going to play from 2019-2023.

We are going to play the lowest (or near) number of tests from 2019-2023 for any of the top 10 sides

It's very disappointing.

 

[Relic]

The damage was done this year. This is our second test in 2019. While all the bigger teams have played at least 10 teams each.
The ftp is set up to ensure that the big three play more than anyone else and have the greater chance to qualify. I would be more outraged as a Pakistani fan if we actually had any pedigree in test cricket. Which we don’t.

I understand that.
But the fact is that we're going to play fewer tests than the West Indies and Bangladesh.
Surely we're not worse than these two teams not Bangaldesh at least

 

[Pete Rose]

I understand that.
But the fact is that we're going to play fewer tests than the West Indies and Bangladesh.
Surely we're not worse than these two teams not Bangaldesh at least

Over what period?

 

[Relic]

But India are going to play nearly double the matches that we're going to play from 2019-2023.

We are going to play the lowest (or near) number of tests from 2019-2023 for any of the top 10 sides

It's very disappointing.

[MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION]
Also, India are going to play ODIs and T20is when they're not playing test cricket.

We're just not going to be playing any cricket whether it is test, odi or T20i.

Do you think Pakistan will arrange some series for us for 2020?

 

[Relic]

Over what period?

For 2020 and for the 2019-2023 cycle.
We're going to play a lower amount of test matches than Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies from 2019-2023.

The only teams we're going to play more matches than are Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan

 

[Pete Rose]

For 2020 and for the 2019-2023 cycle.
We're going to play a lower amount of test matches than Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies from 2019-2023.

The only teams we're going to play more matches than are Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan

They have games against India, we don’t

 

[Relic]

They have games against India, we don’t

That's not how it works.
Not all (if any) of the teams will all the other 9-10 teams in those 4 years.
If we're not playing India, we can replace them with someone else.

We actually even had a lower number of test matches than we have already have now. But the PCB appealed and then we had some added on.

Looks like the icc doesn't rate Pakistan Cricket enough

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

It's been like that since forever. We play rarely.

PCB should push for more cricket.

 

[Mainul]

It's not new for Pakistan . They play very few tests as always. Wasim played only 114 tests in 19 years.

 

[Energy]

Need to be smart and build relations with BCB and SL boards, and have a triangular sort of system agreed for more tours. The ICC will listen eventually but the PCB needs to be be proactive and initiate the first moves.

 

[Pete Rose]

That's not how it works.
Not all (if any) of the teams will all the other 9-10 teams in those 4 years.
If we're not playing India, we can replace them with someone else.

We actually even had a lower number of test matches than we have already have now. But the PCB appealed and then we had some added on.

Looks like the icc doesn't rate Pakistan Cricket enough

That’s exactly how it works. Suggest you have a look at the schedule by country. There are very few window s left to ask other teams to play. And Pakistan will probably will them up as they go along. Can’t fill them up now and then find out later that India is good to play with us at some stage

 

[Tridibans_16]

The damage was done this year. This is our second test in 2019. While all the bigger teams have played at least 10 teams each.
The ftp is set up to ensure that the big three play more than anyone else and have the greater chance to qualify. I would be more outraged as a Pakistani fan if we actually had any pedigree in test cricket. Which we don’t.

I think you are wrong there. Happy to be corrected but as I understand every team has equal points to get from in the WTC as in equal number of series played.

 

[Pete Rose]

I think you are wrong there. Happy to be corrected but as I understand every team has equal points to get from in the WTC as in equal number of series played.

Oh bhai. I am not talking about points on offer. It’s the number of tests you get to play in order to score those points. A 3 test series is better than a two test series and 5 test series is better than a 3 test series.
The system is rigged NOT because the teams can’t mathematically get the points. It’s rigged because tou can’t play two test matches a year and expect to win away from home.

 

[MMHS]

They are forced to play 7 Tests - if it was at PCBs hand, it would have been 3 (1 each series), or may be 4 (2 in UK).

 

[Abdullah719]

They are forced to play 7 Tests - if it was at PCBs hand, it would have been 3 (1 each series), or may be 4 (2 in UK).

The old PCB, yes.

Wasim Khan is not happy with the 2 Test series, he mentioned that he's in Australia to try and ensure future tours will be 3 Tests and I imagine he'll try that with other boards as well.

 

[Tridibans_16]

Oh bhai. I am not talking about points on offer. It’s the number of tests you get to play in order to score those points. A 3 test series is better than a two test series and 5 test series is better than a 3 test series.
The system is rigged NOT because the teams can’t mathematically get the points. It’s rigged because tou can’t play two test matches a year and expect to win away from home.

Your analysis is completely opposite for a better ranked team. Why would Australia prefer a 5 match series with Pakistan when they know they can easily beat Pakistan in 2 match series and get all the 120 points? They would love 2 match series against lower ranked teams.

But overall I agree with you. There are so many flaws in the current system. I am sure they will improve it going into the next cycle. For example, Its unfair to INDIA if they win away in say AUS and still get less points in a 4 match series than say PAK in a 2 match series in AUS

 

[Pete Rose]

Your analysis is completely opposite for a better ranked team. Why would Australia prefer a 5 match series with Pakistan when they know they can easily beat Pakistan in 2 match series and get all the 120 points? They would love 2 match series against lower ranked teams.

But overall I agree with you. There are so many flaws in the current system. I am sure they will improve it going into the next cycle. For example, Its unfair to INDIA if they win away in say AUS and still get less points in a 4 match series than say PAK in a 2 match series in AUS

Phir wohi baat. Why would I care what Australia wants. I want them to play 3 tests at home and away with us. That we are mentally weak in Australia for the last 30 years is a different issue altogether

 

[Relic]

The old PCB, yes.

Wasim Khan is not happy with the 2 Test series, he mentioned that he's in Australia to try and ensure future tours will be 3 Tests and I imagine he'll try that with other boards as well.

Is it the case that the PCB don't want to spend too much money on tours that are not part of the WTC?

If the tours are played in Pakistan, they'll make more money hence are likely to be willing to arrange more tours.

Is this correct?

 

[MMHS]

The old PCB, yes.

Wasim Khan is not happy with the 2 Test series, he mentioned that he's in Australia to try and ensure future tours will be 3 Tests and I imagine he'll try that with other boards as well.

The reaction I see here in PP, which is probably the most cultured & cricket educated forum is n PAK - I am not sure how long that WK guy will be there in charge. He is trying indeed, but the culture is simply not there - very little public interest, star players don’t esteem to be Test greats and PCB is not interested to back Test specialists (like recognise 10-12 Test specialists (say Sami, Sameen, Gohar, Abbas, Shan, 2 WKs, Sallauddin....,), block them from joining garbage cricket and pay an extra amount like what Pujara or Mominul gets).

Above all, be in UAE or PAK or Mars or Pluto - PAK’s home Test must have to be watchable, die hard fans & Test enthusiasts like me shouldn’t feel bugs is stomach after 1st day of any Test hosted by PCB. We can criticise UAE tracks, but the worst two Tests in my life time I have seen was PCB’s last two Test before events of 2009 IN PAK.

 

[Relic]

[MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] Are there any test series which we might play that are not currently in our FTP maybe because they haven't been confirmed yet?

 

[Titan24]

Pak historically plays between 6-8 tests a year with anomalies of more or less in between.

 

[Titan24]

NZ, SA, Srl, WI historically and now BD have been in the same boat as well give or take a few while only Aus and Eng used to play more tests overall and now India as well plays quite a lot since the last decade or so. Reason can be the lack of revenue test cricket generates for the boards in comparison to shorter formats.

Also I think along with number of T20 leagues around and the addition of international T20s to the tours have made it difficult for some teams to increase the number of tests as much as Aus, Eng or Ind considering test cricket also doesnt generate as much income for them.

I definitely think that atleast 9-11 test matches can be played in an year without much hassle. From the current number it would require just one more series each year which isnt that big of an ask. Adding more 3-4 tests per years shuldnt be hitting the overall revenue big time.

 

[MMHS]

Pak historically plays between 6-8 tests a year with anomalies of more or less in between.

I believe, PAK had a complete blank year of Test cricket (2007), which probably won’t be the case for even Ireland going forward. At every excuse, PCB has reduced number of Test matches - be host or tourists.

FTP or ICC Test Championship has absolutely nothing in the minuscule numbers of Test played by PCB - no one will block PCB to arrange one more Test vs SRL & BD in upcoming series; or other way if ICC doesn’t consider the 3rd Test under Test Championship, don’t include it - just play as a 3rd Test of the series. And, this is not new - just last year, BCB & NZC exchanged three T20s for the 3rd Test... that too in NZ, where the contest was one sided.

Previously, it was PCB’s reluctance to play Test cricket; but looks like current leadership is interested is Test cricket more than their predecessors, but I am not sure now the team is capable of demanding more Tests or not - their next target, come July is to make sure that ECB doesn’t relegate PAK to a regular 1-2 Test practice partner for the major series in the summers PAK is scheduled there.

 

[MenInG]

Once again, Pakistan choosing to play 2 Tests - and more T20Is!

On one hand we have ambitions to rise in rankings but on the other hand we cant even ask for an additional Test to help us achieve that?

 

[Hasan123]

Because the good guys and victims of world cricket don't care about test cricket. They care about what generates them revenue which is T20s.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Wasim Khan's defenders kept blaming the legacy schedules agreed by Sethi for the pitiful number of tests being played by Pakistan over the last 2 years, there's nowhere to hide for them now. The PCB are only good for sanctimonious preening on the primacy of test cricket.

 

[mastimasti]

Once again, Pakistan choosing to play 2 Tests - and more T20Is!

On one hand we have ambitions to rise in rankings but on the other hand we cant even ask for an additional Test to help us achieve that?

It was meant to be 3 tests...but the PCB decided with WI to change to 2. That is a massive problem in a limited schedule where a lower side like Pkaistan must pick between revenue or top quality cricket.

 

[UzmanBeast]

Once again, Pakistan choosing to play 2 Tests - and more T20Is!

On one hand we have ambitions to rise in rankings but on the other hand we cant even ask for an additional Test to help us achieve that?

This is what I'm also quite confused about.

No offense, but a board like West Indies should be grateful for any international fixtures they get given their current financial situation.

Surely the PCB could have kept 5 T20Is and 3 test matches, because there was nothing for either side to lose.

No use of common sense by the PCB, the lengthier a test series, the more chances you can provide to keep a settled and experienced team. That's because once you've won the first two games, you can make a few necessary changes in the third test with virtually nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Anyways, we can't do anything right now. However, I will say something that a majority of people will not like to hear, which is that we need to find a better fast-bowling all-rounder than Faheem Ashraf. His batting has improved no doubt, but his bowling has lost any wicket-taking edge that he once possessed. I don't know what happened to Amad Butt and why he was dropped from the test squad post New Zealand, but I really think we should try him out.

 

[Shaka81]

Maybe people prefer more competitive T20s then one-sided test matches. The top West Indies players don't care about test cricket and to be honest most fans on both sides don't really care about test cricket either. May be an unpopular opinion on here but in real life test cricket is dying and needs to be put out of its misery!

 

[Farabi]

I looked at the FTP for Pakistan and we're only playing 7 tests in 2020. How are we supposed to develop our players when we're only playing 7 matches.
That's nearly the lowest amount of matches for any of the test playing nations.
It's even lower than the amount of matches the West Indies will be playing.
Even Bangladesh are playing more (11).
Will Pakistan schedule any matches that are not currently in their FTP for 2020?

The honest answer is that Pakistani board wants to make MONEY. T20s make more MONEY because that's what fans want to see more T20 cricket. There's a world of normal cricket fans outside PakPassion who couldn't care less about test cricket.
I back PCB for addressing majority of the cricket fans and giving them what they want, vs adopting the white, elitist agenda of pushing test cricket down people's throats. Cricket is entertainment, give fans what they want.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Wasim Khan's defenders kept blaming the legacy schedules agreed by Sethi for the pitiful number of tests being played by Pakistan over the last 2 years, there's nowhere to hide for them now. The PCB are only good for sanctimonious preening on the primacy of test cricket.

I can't think of anyone running PCB in recent memory who publicly promised so much inregards to improving Pakistan's test cricket, but has done so little to actually live up to those promises.

He made such a big deal about A tours and even had the side rebranded as Pakistan Shaheens. Meanwhile Shaheens have played one 4 day match in the last 6 months and even in that game a side of test regulars was fielded to get some match practice for the New Zealand tests.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Maybe people prefer more competitive T20s then one-sided test matches. The top West Indies players don't care about test cricket and to be honest most fans on both sides don't really care about test cricket either. May be an unpopular opinion on here but in real life test cricket is dying and needs to be put out of its misery!

This test cricket is dying stuff is a bunch of nonsense since teams are still playing test matches all year round, even if some of them are playing less test matches than others.

Test cricket is not dying, nor will it ever die. Its a centuries old sport that has stood the test of time and will continue to.

 

[Farabi]

This test cricket is dying stuff is a bunch of nonsense since teams are still playing test matches all year round, even if some of them are playing less test matches than others.

Test cricket is not dying, nor will it ever die. Its a centuries old sport that has stood the test of time and will continue to.

Look, I personally love watching test cricket and I really hope it survives. But unfortunately, fans like you and I are a minority. I agree with his "unpopular" opinion on PP that test cricket is indeed dying and it will be in museums soon. The only reason why you are watching test cricket "all year round" is because revenue from LOI fund test cricket.
Once upon a time, even horses were used for millennia and "stood the test of time", but they were eventually replaced. The only constant is change, and we must progress with time, and cricket too must follow where the fans are going.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Look, I personally love watching test cricket and I really hope it survives. But unfortunately, fans like you and I are a minority. I agree with his "unpopular" opinion on PP that test cricket is indeed dying and it will be in museums soon. The only reason why you are watching test cricket "all year round" is because revenue from LOI fund test cricket.
Once upon a time, even horses were used for millennia and "stood the test of time", but they were eventually replaced. The only constant is change, and we must progress with time, and cricket too must follow where the fans are going.

No offence but that horses example is a terrible example.

Test cricket has always been watched by a very limited number of people. Do you think average people were interested in test cricket 50 or 20 years ago? The only thing that has changed is that T20 cricket has brought in alot of average people who were either casual viewers before or just didn't watch the sport to begin with.

Test cricket is an acquired taste. You have to be a genuine fan of the sport to like/follow test cricket. That has always been the case, and it always will be the case.

Whenever people talk about the so-called impending death of test cricket, I am reminded of a quote that is attributed to Mark Twain:

"The reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated".

 

[Saj]

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan:

In consultation with the Cricket West Indies and keeping an eye on this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, we have agreed to replace one Test match with two additional T20Is. This is aimed at providing further T20 content for both teams, as we continue to prepare and build-up to the global ICC event.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Pakistan plays full strength squad in t20 matches and gives way too much importance to this format.
Very sad indeed.

 

[Farabi]

No offence but that horses example is a terrible example.

Test cricket has always been watched by a very limited number of people. Do you think average people were interested in test cricket 50 or 20 years ago? The only thing that has changed is that T20 cricket has brought in alot of average people who were either casual viewers before or just didn't watch the sport to begin with.

Test cricket is an acquired taste. You have to be a genuine fan of the sport to like/follow test cricket. That has always been the case, and it always will be the case.

Whenever people talk about the so-called impending death of test cricket, I am reminded of a quote that is attributed to Mark Twain:

"The reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated".

Yes, but Mark Twain eventually did die. There is nothing permanent in this world. The only constant is change. We must accept change.
We have no right to judge who is an "average" follower or a "genuine" follower. Watching test cricket doesn't make anyone a "genuine" follower --> that's self-praise and entitled thinking. T20 cricket is also a very interesting format and involves a lot of strategy and tactics, that are not better/worse from test cricket, I think its just different in terms of skills and talents. If T20 cricket is so easy, why arent Steven Smith, Kane williamson, Root the best T20 batsmen in their own National T20 teams?
Ultimately sport is entertainment. That's it. That's why we watch grown men swinging willows and catching a ball made of leather.
New generation, specially those born after mid 90s and grew up during 2000s were exposed to T20 cricket and have chosen T20 as the format of their choice. This is evident in the TV ratings which is why T20s now generate the bulk of the revenue.
Should the board promote what 90% people are watching or what 10% are watching? I mean its a no-brainer for me.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes, but Mark Twain eventually did die. There is nothing permanent in this world. The only constant is change. We must accept change.
We have no right to judge who is an "average" follower or a "genuine" follower. Watching test cricket doesn't make anyone a "genuine" follower --> that's self-praise and entitled thinking. T20 cricket is also a very interesting format and involves a lot of strategy and tactics, that are not better/worse from test cricket, I think its just different in terms of skills and talents. If T20 cricket is so easy, why arent Steven Smith, Kane williamson, Root the best T20 batsmen in their own National T20 teams?
Ultimately sport is entertainment. That's it. That's why we watch grown men swinging willows and catching a ball made of leather.
New generation, specially those born after mid 90s and grew up during 2000s were exposed to T20 cricket and have chosen T20 as the format of their choice. This is evident in the TV ratings which is why T20s now generate the bulk of the revenue.
Should the board promote what 90% people are watching or what 10% are watching? I mean its a no-brainer for me.

Yes, but Mark Twain eventually did die. There is nothing permanent in this world

You don't say?

We have no right to judge who is an "average" follower or a "genuine" follower. Watching test cricket doesn't make anyone a "genuine" follower --> that's self-praise and entitled thinking.

Actually I do have a right to judge anything and everything I feel like judging, just as you have the right to refer to what I am saying as ''self-praise'' and ''entitled thinking''. Its called an opinion and you don't have to agree with it.


Just because something becomes less relevant or overshadowed doesn't mean it dies. Test cricket will ALWAYS have an audience just because of India and the sheer number of people watching test cricket in that country. Add Australia and England to that; where test cricket has traditional value, especially at certain points of the year and that alone is enough to keep test cricket going for another 100 years.

Go look up the monetary value of England, India and Australia's broadcasting deals before you tell me that test cricket is dying.

But ofcourse that's not all. There are 6 other countries too where people do watch test cricket. Some countries have more of a sizable audience than others but fact of the matter is that there is an audience even in those countries and people are watching test cricket.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan:

In consultation with the Cricket West Indies and keeping an eye on this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, we have agreed to replace one Test match with two additional T20Is. This is aimed at providing further T20 content for both teams, as we continue to prepare and build-up to the global ICC event.

I can think of few teams that are playing as many T20Is in the run-up to the T20 World Cup as Pakistan. But somehow Wasim Khan feels that even more T20s are needed.

He should be honest and admit its all about money instead of using the T20 World Cup as an excuse.

 

[U$ofA]

It was meant to be 3 tests...but the PCB decided with WI to change to 2. That is a massive problem in a limited schedule where a lower side like Pkaistan must pick between revenue or top quality cricket.

Wait a minute. In sports top quality is what is watched by most people. So shouldn't top quality cricket also fetch the most revenue because fans will tune in?

 

[U$ofA]

Maybe people prefer more competitive T20s then one-sided test matches. The top West Indies players don't care about test cricket and to be honest most fans on both sides don't really care about test cricket either. May be an unpopular opinion on here but in real life test cricket is dying and needs to be put out of its misery!

I am sure the test cricket fans on this forum themselves don't bother watching much test cricket. So what is said here is mostly lip service. Nothing more.

 

[U$ofA]

[MENTION=150126]Farabi[/MENTION], [MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION], both of you are right.

I do not think test cricket will die/go away in our life time. But it is living on charity from ODI's/T20I's in several countries. Though there is an audience for tests in these countries, it is nowhere near what it takes for test to thrive and be profitable. Which is why you see the 2 test "series".

The T20 leagues seem to be the future judging by how the boards are all starting these leagues. There is a demand for it so the boards are satisfying this demand and making $$$ in the process.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

[MENTION=150126]Farabi[/MENTION], [MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION], both of you are right.

I do not think test cricket will die/go away in our life time. But it is living on charity from ODI's/T20I's in several countries. Though there is an audience for tests in these countries, it is nowhere near what it takes for test to thrive and be profitable. Which is why you see the 2 test "series".

The T20 leagues seem to be the future judging by how the boards are all starting these leagues. There is a demand for it so the boards are satisfying this demand and making $$$ in the process.

My whole argument revolved around the point that Test cricket is not going to die, even if it becomes less relevant or overshadowed. I never disputed that it will lose relevance or not be as profitable as T20s.

But the idea that test cricket is dying and will be in the museums soon is simply ludicrous. From an audience point of view, cricket has always been a fairly niche sport. The people who watched it and continue to watch it know what they are watching, which is why there will always be a sizable audience for it. The people running international cricket know that there is no international cricket without test cricket. They understand its all-encompassing value which is why they will never even contemplate about getting rid of it regardless of how unprofitable it may become...hypothetically.

And if you take the money aspect out of it, no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket.

 

[Farabi]

[MENTION=150126]Farabi[/MENTION], [MENTION=147292]RedwoodOriginal[/MENTION], both of you are right.

I do not think test cricket will die/go away in our life time. But it is living on charity from ODI's/T20I's in several countries. Though there is an audience for tests in these countries, it is nowhere near what it takes for test to thrive and be profitable. Which is why you see the 2 test "series".

The T20 leagues seem to be the future judging by how the boards are all starting these leagues. There is a demand for it so the boards are satisfying this demand and making $$$ in the process.

Outside Aus and lesser extent Eng, test cricket is on its last legs. Even in Aus and Eng, the biggest concern is that the audience is aging and not being replaced with younger generations continuing to drift towards the shorter format. The pinnacle and steam engine of Indian cricket is the IPL which bankrolls the Indian FC and test cricket.
India is also struggling to fill its stadiums for test cricket
I have worked in media business and have personally seen the TV ratings for cricket in the 2012-2015 period. The TV ratings were like 0.2 per hour for test vs 3.5+ for T20s. Based on that, the conclusion was that the audience for T20 in Pakistan is 20x that for test cricket on the leading sports channels.
Current leadership of cricket are generation X who obviously value test cricket and want to preserve it, which is why T20 cricket is funding test cricket.
Once millennials come in charge of cricket, I doubt Test cricket will have the same level of support.

 

[Farabi]

My whole argument revolved around the point that Test cricket is not going to die, even if it becomes less relevant or overshadowed. I never disputed that it will lose relevance or not be as profitable as T20s.

But the idea that test cricket is dying and will be in the museums soon is simply ludicrous. From an audience point of view, cricket has always been a fairly niche sport. The people who watched it and continue to watch it know what they are watching, which is why there will always be a sizable audience for it. The people running international cricket know that there is no international cricket without test cricket. They understand its all-encompassing value which is why they will never even contemplate about getting rid of it regardless of how unprofitable it may become...hypothetically.

And if you take the money aspect out of it, no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket.

This is the height of self-deception: “There will be no cricket without test cricket”. When in truth, T20 cricket is paying the bills for test cricket.
“no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket”.
Cricketers very well respect the skills of guys like Gayle, Butler or Bairstow and how they take out attacks in LOI. If it was that easy, why aren’t Pujara and Azhar Ali doing it? There isn’t a single hard-hitter in Pakistani Middle order. If it’s so “easy”, why can’t Pakistan find a middle order player like Pandya or Miller.

 

[U$ofA]

My whole argument revolved around the point that Test cricket is not going to die, even if it becomes less relevant or overshadowed. I never disputed that it will lose relevance or not be as profitable as T20s.

But the idea that test cricket is dying and will be in the museums soon is simply ludicrous. From an audience point of view, cricket has always been a fairly niche sport. The people who watched it and continue to watch it know what they are watching, which is why there will always be a sizable audience for it. The people running international cricket know that there is no international cricket without test cricket. They understand its all-encompassing value which is why they will never even contemplate about getting rid of it regardless of how unprofitable it may become...hypothetically.

And if you take the money aspect out of it, no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket.

We all live in the real world. How do you take the money aspect out in the real world. Once you do that, you are into fantasy world!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is the height of self-deception: “There will be no cricket without test cricket”. When in truth, T20 cricket is paying the bills for test cricket.
“no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket”.
Cricketers very well respect the skills of guys like Gayle, Butler or Bairstow and how they take out attacks in LOI. If it was that easy, why aren’t Pujara and Azhar Ali doing it? There isn’t a single hard-hitter in Pakistani Middle order. If it’s so “easy”, why can’t Pakistan find a middle order player like Pandya or Miller.

T20 is like junk food while Test cricket is like a well-cooked meal from a 5 star restaurant. T20 cricket is like a magazine, while Test cricket is like a well-written piece of literature. T20 cricket is like a mindless, special-effects heavy action movie, whereas, Test cricket is like a gorgeously shot, engrossing arthouse film.

Everyone, including myself enjoys junk food, a good magazine or an entertaining blockbuster. But its those finer things in life that offer something deeper, that make you reflect and that stay with you.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is the height of self-deception: “There will be no cricket without test cricket”. When in truth, T20 cricket is paying the bills for test cricket.
“no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket”.
Cricketers very well respect the skills of guys like Gayle, Butler or Bairstow and how they take out attacks in LOI. If it was that easy, why aren’t Pujara and Azhar Ali doing it? There isn’t a single hard-hitter in Pakistani Middle order. If it’s so “easy”, why can’t Pakistan find a middle order player like Pandya or Miller.

Inregards to your other point, fans might think differently but if you ask cricketers themselves most of them will tell you that succeeding in test cricket is the ultimate barometer of proving how good you truly are. Guys like Gayle or Russell might tell you differently because they don't have what it takes to play test cricket anymore. But even Buttler and Bairstow know deep down that they will never be in the conversation of England's best unless they don't succeed in Test cricket.

From a personal point of view, I admire clean-hitters who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and offer some entertaining fireworks. But I will always respect a batsman who is successful at test cricket more simply because of the fact that you cannot get lucky in test cricket and only the very best can thrive at it. It quite literally tests your patience, skill, character, mental toughness; often times all at once.

There is a massive difference between Pujara or Azhar Ali defying the bouncy, pacey Australian conditions and one of the best bowling attacks in the world to score a double-hundred, and Chris Gayle going out on a flat pancake of a pitch and smashing a 40 ball century. Just the difference in difficulty level for Pujara/Azhar to get where they got and for Gayle to get where he got is massive.

So like I said, you can't be taken seriously as a cricketer until you make it in test cricket.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

We all live in the real world. How do you take the money aspect out in the real world. Once you do that, you are into fantasy world!

Okay than go calculate ticket revenues I guess.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This is the height of self-deception: “There will be no cricket without test cricket”. When in truth, T20 cricket is paying the bills for test cricket.
“no cricketer can truly be taken seriously until he makes it in test cricket”.
Cricketers very well respect the skills of guys like Gayle, Butler or Bairstow and how they take out attacks in LOI. If it was that easy, why aren’t Pujara and Azhar Ali doing it? There isn’t a single hard-hitter in Pakistani Middle order. If it’s so “easy”, why can’t Pakistan find a middle order player like Pandya or Miller.

Inregards to your other point, fans might think differently but if you ask cricketers themselves most of them will tell you that succeeding in test cricket is the ultimate barometer of proving how good you truly are. Guys like Gayle or Russell might tell you differently because they don't have what it takes to play test cricket anymore. But even Buttler and Bairstow know deep down that they will never be in the conversation of England's best unless they succeed in Test cricket.

From a personal point of view, I admire clean-hitters who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and offer some entertaining fireworks. But I will always respect a batsman who is successful at test cricket more simply because of the fact that you cannot get lucky in test cricket and only the very best can thrive at it. It quite literally tests your patience, skill, character, mental toughness; often times all at once.

There is a massive difference between Pujara or Azhar Ali defying the bouncy, pacey Australian conditions and one of the best bowling attacks in the world to score a double-hundred, and Chris Gayle going out on a flat pancake of a pitch and smashing a 40 ball century. Just the difference in difficulty level for Pujara/Azhar to get where they got and for Gayle to get where he got is massive.

So like I said, you can't be taken seriously as a cricketer until you make it in test cricket.

 

[Farabi]

We all live in the real world. How do you take the money aspect out in the real world. Once you do that, you are into fantasy world!

Thanks. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s interest from the fans that generates the cash that runs cricket. Fans are the REAL BOSSES and their eyeballs is the vote for what they consider quality

 

[Shazzam]

Thanks. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s interest from the fans that generates the cash that runs cricket. Fans are the REAL BOSSES and their eyeballs is the vote for what they consider quality

It doesn't take a genius to know which format makes the most money. The very fact it makes more in domestic tournaments says it all. Test cricket is at this point is played for charity. Its no secret a wise cricketer will give up this format for the love of Twenty20 cricket.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Thanks. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s interest from the fans that generates the cash that runs cricket. Fans are the REAL BOSSES and their eyeballs is the vote for what they consider quality

Exactly! I am at a loss as to how some people are not understanding something so basic.

 

[Farabi]

Inregards to your other point, fans might think differently but if you ask cricketers themselves most of them will tell you that succeeding in test cricket is the ultimate barometer of proving how good you truly are. Guys like Gayle or Russell might tell you differently because they don't have what it takes to play test cricket anymore. But even Buttler and Bairstow know deep down that they will never be in the conversation of England's best unless they succeed in Test cricket.

From a personal point of view, I admire clean-hitters who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and offer some entertaining fireworks. But I will always respect a batsman who is successful at test cricket more simply because of the fact that you cannot get lucky in test cricket and only the very best can thrive at it. It quite literally tests your patience, skill, character, mental toughness; often times all at once.

There is a massive difference between Pujara or Azhar Ali defying the bouncy, pacey Australian conditions and one of the best bowling attacks in the world to score a double-hundred, and Chris Gayle going out on a flat pancake of a pitch and smashing a 40 ball century. Just the difference in difficulty level for Pujara/Azhar to get where they got and for Gayle to get where he got is massive.

So like I said, you can't be taken seriously as a cricketer until you make it in test cricket.

.

What you are describing is the prevailing wisdom.
It is no more valid to define Twenty20 as hit and giggle than it is to dismiss Test cricket as boring. The two formats are both interesting and they test different skills and talents, which is why many test players have failed to show up in the T20 format despite a lot of hard work and effort.
I personally enjoy both formats equally and find that I like different things in both formats.

 

[U$ofA]

Thanks. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s interest from the fans that generates the cash that runs cricket. Fans are the REAL BOSSES and their eyeballs is the vote for what they consider quality

Exactly. Simple straight fact. In the real world, might I add!

 

[mastimasti]

Wait a minute. In sports top quality is what is watched by most people. So shouldn't top quality cricket also fetch the most revenue because fans will tune in?

No....because by top quality cricket I meant Test cricket, which brings in less revenue than ODI or T20s. Yet Test cricket costs a lot to stage.

 

[mastimasti]

Thanks. It’s worth pointing out here that it’s interest from the fans that generates the cash that runs cricket. Fans are the REAL BOSSES and their eyeballs is the vote for what they consider quality

Not necessarily true, outside of the Ashes, and quite possibly India/Pak tours of England, the most number of eyeballs are on T20 and ODI matches yet England still plays plenty of 3 test series the world over.

 

[TeymurBlake]

T20 cricket makes more money than Test cricket. But I would want Pakistan to play some more tests for sure.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

.

What you are describing is the prevailing wisdom.
It is no more valid to define Twenty20 as hit and giggle than it is to dismiss Test cricket as boring. The two formats are both interesting and they test different skills and talents, which is why many test players have failed to show up in the T20 format despite a lot of hard work and effort.
I personally enjoy both formats equally and find that I like different things in both formats.

T20 cricket surely has its own unique skills and definitely trumps Test cricket when it comes to entertainment. But anyone who thinks there is any comparison in regards to the difficulty level or the skill level needs to sit back and think hard about what they are saying.

You can get away with being a fluke player in T20s but not in Tests. Many players like Trescothick and Kohli have described how failing at test cricket put them in a very bad spot in regards to their mental health. That's the effect this format can have on even the best of players. And there's a reason why it is considered the purest form of the sport and that's because it is the most difficult and succeeding at it takes guts, character and mental toughness that not everyone has.

I can appreciate T20 cricket for what it is; namely entertainment. And certainly it does require a certain skill level for one to be successful at it. But there is just no comparison between T20 cricket and Test cricket. For a cricketer, succeeding at Test cricket will always be an abundantly bigger deal than succeeding at T20 cricket.

 

[Hasan123]

Will never understand why people think you need to chose between tests and T20s, and when you want a batsmen to bat quicker it means you only watch T20s LOL.

It is possible to enjoy both tests and T20s equally as much. I myself got into cricket through watching test cricket. But I do enjoy T20 cricket as well. T20 cricket is not going anywhere, it generates revenue. So let’s not turn test cricket and T20s into competition against each other.

 

[King_Kohli]

Will never understand why people think you need to chose between tests and T20s, and when you want a batsmen to bat quicker it means you only watch T20s LOL.

It is possible to enjoy both tests and T20s equally as much. I myself got into cricket through watching test cricket. But I do enjoy T20 cricket as well. T20 cricket is not going anywhere, it generates revenue. So let’s not turn test cricket and T20s into competition against each other.

Completely Agree.

I myself enjoy all formats of cricket.

 

[U$ofA]

T20 cricket makes more money than Test cricket. But I would want Pakistan to play some more tests for sure.

But the PCB loses money hosting tests. So do several other boards. So how do these boards pay for hosting tests?

 

[MenInG]

New Zealand also playing 2 Tests but then they are playing the WTC final also this summer in England.

 

[MenInG]

Seems some good news on this front - Media reports say that the PCB has decided to do away with the two-match Test series from 2023 onward as the country is all set to have a three-match Test series instead.

 

[Thanos]

Seems some good news on this front - Media reports say that the PCB has decided to do away with the two-match Test series from 2023 onward as the country is all set to have a three-match Test series instead.

This is really good news for Pakistan and test cricket. Two match series never helps anyone. Neither the players nor the teams.