The preservation of Test cricket is no longer solely the concern of sports committees and former athletes. Rapidly developing franchise T20 leagues worldwide have offered cricketers an alternative path, allowing them to earn more with fewer matches. Consequently, directly blaming a player who chooses franchise sport over Test cricket becomes a complex issue. Fraser Stewart, head of the cricket department at Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), agreed with this reality.
Stewart noted that players are increasingly opting out of Test matches due to higher pay in franchise leagues. He emphasized that if an athlete can earn more by playing less, they should not be penalized for such a decision. In his view, the real question is how to structure the entire cricket calendar to accommodate both Test cricket and all other formats.
MCC, a historic institution in London founded in 1787, acts as the custodian of the rules of cricket, known as the 'Laws of Cricket,' and regularly makes amendments to them. Furthermore, MCC plays a vital role in promoting traditions and the 'Spirit of Cricket.'
For MCC, Test cricket retains its significance. Stewart clearly stated his desire to see the world's most outstanding players on the field during Test matches. However, the packed schedule of modern cricket and the financial advantages offered by franchise leagues have changed the priorities of athletes.
The recent decision by Australian all-rounder Michael Breshaw serves as an example of this trend. He chose an on-demand contract instead of a regular contract with his county to gain more opportunities to play in the Big Bash League and other franchise competitions. Thus, the issue goes beyond simple disappointment in Test cricket; athletes are now evaluating their career path, income, and the time they spend playing.
This leads discussions about saving Test cricket to focus more on the cricket system itself rather than condemning individual players.
Interestingly, MCC does not view franchise cricket as an enemy of Test cricket. Stewart admitted that franchise leagues have transformed the economy of world cricket. The IPL, in particular, has had a significant impact on the financial picture, bringing economic benefits to many global leagues.
He believes that franchise cricket indirectly contributes to the funding of Test cricket. Therefore, banning T20 leagues is not a solution. A schedule must be developed that allows both formats to coexist.
Stewart also pointed out a positive aspect of franchise cricket. Previously, international rivals met on the field only as opponents. Now, they play on the same team in various leagues around the world. This has strengthened personal bonds and mutual respect among players. For instance, athletes like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, while competing against each other in international cricket, share a dressing room during franchise league games.
Thus, despite franchise cricket being perceived as a threat to Tests, it also has positive aspects. The main task is finding a balance between these two formats.
The ICC has approved a trial period for using the pink ball in day Tests to make Test cricket more appealing. Stewart welcomed this decision, believing that the pink ball could be a solution if the game is interrupted due to lack of light at the end of the day. Parties such as India and Australia could agree to use the pink ball in certain Test matches in bilateral series. This would help mitigate the problem of overs being cut short due to poor visibility and allow spectators to see more matches.
According to Stewart, the more matches played in Test cricket and the more people who can watch it, the better this format will be.
The head of MCC also supported stricter measures regarding time wasting in Test matches, especially intentional slowing down of the game by batsmen in the final hours of a Test. Under new ICC rules coming into effect on October 1st, the first and second instances of time wasting will result in a warning. Upon repetition of the same offense, the third team will receive a fine of five runs.
Stewart noted that these rules existed before, but now enforcement on the field is necessary. He believes that spectators pay for tickets, and if the game drags on unnecessarily, they feel they have not received a full match.
The current situation in Test cricket is thus: on one hand, players face the temptation of high pay in franchise leagues, and on the other, challenges from spectators, time, and the modern cricket calendar. MCC's message is clear: banning franchise cricket is not the answer; a way must be found where players can earn money, and Test cricket does not lose its best athletes.
