Former England skipper Michael Atherton has said that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has disrupted cricket despite the riches and opportunities it has provided to many players over the years.
Atherton, who was speaking during the UK launch of former India skipper Sourav Ganguly’s book ‘A century is not enough’ at Lord’s when he was asked about the threat the launch of new T20 leagues posed to Test cricket.
“Like any other industry, cricket has been disrupted. IPL has been a disruptive event, giving players options and opportunities,” the Englishman was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.
“We still sell Test cricket well here in England. The grounds in India may look empty (during Test matches) but we have to bear in mind that those are much larger grounds. The game has always adapted and will continue to do so. I remain optimistic about the future,” he added.
The IPL recently concluded its 11th edition. Image – BCCI
Ganguly, on his part, suggested that day-night Tests were the way forward to revive interest in the five-day game.
“It is difficult for working people to spend the whole day away from work at a cricket ground,” the former India skipper stated.
Former Sri Lanka stalwart Kumar Sangakkara too was a part of the discussion and he mentioned the need for Test cricket to become financially viable in the modern times.
“There is still a great love for Test cricket. But everything evolves and moves on. We just have to change our mindset,” the Sri Lankan said.