The future of Test cricket has been a topic of debate for many years. Ever since Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket in 1977 and up to Andrew Symonds’ million-dollar bid in the inaugural IPL auction in 2008, concerns have been raised about the ability of the sport to survive in a world where shorter formats are more popular.
Despite these concerns, Test cricket is still showing signs of being alive and well. Recent matches saw Pakistan giving Australia a tough time at the MCG, and South Africa securing a strong victory over India. The fear for the future of Tests largely stems from the dominance of three nations, Australia, England, and India, who are perceived to be a cut above the rest. However, this dominance is not as overwhelming as it seems, as evidenced by recent surprising victories by underdog teams.
While some worry about the oversaturation of white ball cricket, the bigger threat comes from an excess of franchise tournaments such as the IPL, which overshadows international cricket to the point of redundancy. This was evident in South Africa’s decision to select a second-rate squad to prioritize the SA20 league, showing a disregard for Test cricket’s significance.
If every country wants its own IPL and is willing to provide under-equipped Test teams to fill obligations, the format will fail to thrive and ultimately die. Despite the challenges, Test cricket has survived for decades, and with proper prioritization, it can continue to thrive.