Twenty20 is 'fast food' and a bad habit

Twenty20 is 'fast food', a bad habit and is posing a major threat to Test cricket in the sub-continent, feels former Pakistan Test skipper Javed Miandad.

Miandad expressed concerns over suggestions from the International cricket Council to reduce Test cricket matches to four-days and introduce colored balls and colored clothing under lights in the traditional format of the sport.

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

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

Miandad, however, felt that the future of Test cricket faced no threat in countries like England, South Africa, 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 conditions of the people. Everything is so expensive for our masses," he said.

There have been suggestions from the ICC President, David Morgan about reducing Tests to four day matches instead of the traditional five days.

Morgan has said that Test cricket faces a challenge from the growing popularity of twenty20 cricket and there is a need to look at revamping the traditional format of the game.

However, Miandad 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 colored balls will only prove counter-productive," he said.

The former Test captain said instead of taking measures that can threaten the spirit of the game the ICC should be looking at other ways to ensure all forms of the game survive together properly.

"The ICC should involve more former players in consultations and find ways to keep 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.