<p>Cricket’s apex body – the International Cricket Council (ICC), is said to be mulling over creating a multi-million dollar fund ($15m) to save the dying format – Test Cricket, per the latest reports. With the growth of franchise-based T20 cricket worldwide, mainly for two reasons – the money flow that comes with that and the exposure that players get by playing in different conditions, the ICC felt the need to take the required measures to preserve Test cricket.</p>

<p>Per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia (CA) were the first to float this plan in January early this year, which later got the backing of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who might become the next ICC chairman.</p>

<p>The funding pool will serve several purposes, from bearing the costs of overseas tours for financially struggling countries to increasing the minimum wage for all Test players to USD 10,000 per game. It will help boards like Cricket West Indies (CWC), which has struggled to confine their talent to represent the country across formats, instead of getting distracted by the lucrative offers from franchise-based league cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-southee-urges-boards-franchise-leagues-to-come-together-to-solve-club-vs-country-debate-752670">Tim Southee urges boards, franchise leagues to come together to solve ‘club vs country debate’</a></strong></p>

<p>"The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment for all players, thought to be USD 10,000, and pay the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries," the report stated.</p>

<p>"It's fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test match fund," CA chairman Mike Baird said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white ball cricket," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>BCCI, CA and ECB not to be benefitted</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the top three wealthiest cricket boards – BCCI, CA and ECB, are unlikely to reap the rewards of this as their players already receive hefty salaries to represent their Test teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the BCCI also introduced an incentive program for the senior men’s cricket team to motivate them to focus on Test cricket, with the board offering increased salaries for those abiding by it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Per that scheme, an Indian Test cricketer, in addition to receiving INR 15 lakh as a match fee, will pocket a whopping INR 45 lakh match-wise under this program if he participates in at least 75 per cent&nbsp;of Tests within a yearly cycle that runs from September to October.</p>

<p>Besides, the players who feature in between 50-75 per cent&nbsp;of matches would receive a bonus of INR 30 lakh per match. Those picked in the squad but not selected in the playing XI will receive half of the amount under both brackets.</p>

<p>However, the players who appear in less than half of the matches (less than 50 per cent) scheduled during a window will not be eligible to get paid extra.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cricket’s apex body – the International Cricket Council (ICC), is said to be mulling over creating a multi-million dollar fund ($15m) to save the dying format – Test Cricket, per the latest reports.

Cricket’s apex body – the International Cricket Council (ICC), is said to be mulling over creating a multi-million dollar fund ($15m) to save the dying format – Test Cricket, per the latest reports. With the growth of franchise-based T20 cricket worldwide, mainly for two reasons – the money flow that comes with that and the exposure that players get by playing in different conditions, the ICC felt the need to take the required measures to preserve Test cricket. Per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia (CA) were the first to float this plan in January early this year, which later got the backing of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who might become the next ICC chairman. The funding pool will serve several purposes, from bearing the costs of overseas tours for financially struggling countries to increasing the minimum wage for all Test players to USD 10,000 per game. It will help boards like Cricket West Indies (CWC), which has struggled to confine their talent to represent the country across formats, instead of getting distracted by the lucrative offers from franchise-based league cricket. ALSO READ: Tim Southee urges boards, franchise leagues to come together to solve ‘club vs country debate’ "The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment for all players, thought to be USD 10,000, and pay the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries," the report stated. "It's fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test match fund," CA chairman Mike Baird said. "We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white ball cricket," he added. BCCI, CA and ECB not to be benefitted Meanwhile, the top three wealthiest cricket boards – BCCI, CA and ECB, are unlikely to reap the rewards of this as their players already receive hefty salaries to represent their Test teams. Earlier this year, the BCCI also introduced an incentive program for the senior men’s cricket team to motivate them to focus on Test cricket, with the board offering increased salaries for those abiding by it. Per that scheme, an Indian Test cricketer, in addition to receiving INR 15 lakh as a match fee, will pocket a whopping INR 45 lakh match-wise under this program if he participates in at least 75 per cent of Tests within a yearly cycle that runs from September to October. Besides, the players who feature in between 50-75 per cent of matches would receive a bonus of INR 30 lakh per match. Those picked in the squad but not selected in the playing XI will receive half of the amount under both brackets. However, the players who appear in less than half of the matches (less than 50 per cent) scheduled during a window will not be eligible to get paid extra. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC mulls creating multi-million dollar fund to save Test cricket; players minimum wage to increase- Reports

<p>New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee admits he doesn’t have answers to how and when this long-standing club vs country debate can end but has urged all cricketing boards and the franchise leagues to come together and find a solution. With plenty of first-team players deciding against signing a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to make themselves available for franchise-based leagues worldwide, Southee feels ‘something’ needs to be done to bring in balance and help players take a call based on their preferences.</p>

<p>Key players like former all-format captain Kane Williamson and speedsters Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne have opted out of the central contract list offered by NZC in recent years. Moreover, attacking opener Finn Allen, who signed a two-year deal with Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, and Devon Conway, who signed a casual contract with NZC, are the latest to join the list.</p>

<p>Though Conway will remain available for all nine Tests this season, he will miss the white-ball competitions in January 2025, like Williamson, to feature in the SA20 tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smiths-test-batting-position-worries-australian-veteran-as-india-threat-looms-752364">Steve Smith’s Test batting position worries Matthew Hayden as India threat looms</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yeah, I think that's decisions that each individual board are taking into account," Southee said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, at this stage, obviously, the franchise leagues and the franchise world are growing. It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players, is still the pinnacle of the format.</p>

<p>"I guess it's the way that cricket is going and then the amount of T20 leagues that are popping up. To look at it from Kane and Devon's point of view, they're still committed to New Zealand cricket, and we've got nine Test matches coming up. So, they're committed to those Test matches,” he continued.</p>

<h2>A problem in the hindsight</h2>

<p>Although all these players not signing a central contract with NZC is not the biggest problem within their cricket structure as of now, Southee doesn’t discount the chances of it creating havoc in times to come.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Committing to Test cricket, a format he calls his favourite and ‘closest to the heart’, Southee admits he doesn’t have answers to how one solution can solve this growing issue within the cricket circuit worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I don't have the answers. Right now, I don't think many people do. So I think it's about working out what's best for each individual board and their players. New Zealand Cricket seems to think that's the best way for the next 12 months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I don't think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So for them to have the flexibility in doing that, but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that's where the casual playing agreement comes in,” the NZ Test skipper said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, New Zealand will travel to Asia to play six Tests - one against Afghanistan in India, two against Sri Lanka and then three against India. Upon returning home, New Zealand will host England for the three Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee admits he doesn’t have answers to how and when this long-standing club vs country debate can end but has urged all cricketing boards and the franchise leagues to come together and find a solution.

New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee admits he doesn’t have answers to how and when this long-standing club vs country debate can end but has urged all cricketing boards and the franchise leagues to come together and find a solution. With plenty of first-team players deciding against signing a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to make themselves available for franchise-based leagues worldwide, Southee feels ‘something’ needs to be done to bring in balance and help players take a call based on their preferences. Key players like former all-format captain Kane Williamson and speedsters Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne have opted out of the central contract list offered by NZC in recent years. Moreover, attacking opener Finn Allen, who signed a two-year deal with Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, and Devon Conway, who signed a casual contract with NZC, are the latest to join the list. Though Conway will remain available for all nine Tests this season, he will miss the white-ball competitions in January 2025, like Williamson, to feature in the SA20 tournament. ALSO READ: Steve Smith’s Test batting position worries Matthew Hayden as India threat looms "Yeah, I think that's decisions that each individual board are taking into account," Southee said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards in Mumbai. "So, at this stage, obviously, the franchise leagues and the franchise world are growing. It would be nice to see the international [boards] and the leagues working together in some way because, especially Test cricket, I think for a lot of players, is still the pinnacle of the format. "I guess it's the way that cricket is going and then the amount of T20 leagues that are popping up. To look at it from Kane and Devon's point of view, they're still committed to New Zealand cricket, and we've got nine Test matches coming up. So, they're committed to those Test matches,” he continued. A problem in the hindsight Although all these players not signing a central contract with NZC is not the biggest problem within their cricket structure as of now, Southee doesn’t discount the chances of it creating havoc in times to come. Committing to Test cricket, a format he calls his favourite and ‘closest to the heart’, Southee admits he doesn’t have answers to how one solution can solve this growing issue within the cricket circuit worldwide. “I don't have the answers. Right now, I don't think many people do. So I think it's about working out what's best for each individual board and their players. New Zealand Cricket seems to think that's the best way for the next 12 months. “I don't think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So for them to have the flexibility in doing that, but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that's where the casual playing agreement comes in,” the NZ Test skipper said. Meanwhile, New Zealand will travel to Asia to play six Tests - one against Afghanistan in India, two against Sri Lanka and then three against India. Upon returning home, New Zealand will host England for the three Tests. (With inputs from agencies)

Tim Southee urges boards, franchise leagues to come together to solve ‘club vs country debate’

<p>Franchise cricket has come in the way of emerging players eyeing an international career, with youngsters becoming more inclined towards playing franchise-based T20 Leagues worldwide. Considering the model is money-minting, the reason behind the tilt is understandable; however, Australia Test Captain Pat Cummins has a solution to this problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cummins has exceeded on all fronts, from playing for Australia and delivering it across formats to winning matches at will in a handful of leagues he plays in. Speaking at MCC World Cricket Connects 2024 at Lord's lately, Cummins admits that this form of cricket has taken over because it’s more financially rewarding, while the participating players are aware of the windows, managing their calendars effectively.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youre-an-average-cricket-team-tim-paine-tears-into-bazball-bound-england-test-side-738887">‘You’re an average cricket team’ – Tim Paine tears into Bazball-bound England Test side</a></strong></p>

<p>That, however, is not the case with centrally-contracted international players, who also wish to make a fortune out of it, and often get stuck between picking one. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Franchise cricket for some countries is more lucrative, more appealing than international cricket," Cummins said, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald. "If I went and played franchise cricket, I could probably be away for a half or a third of the amount we are for Australia."</p>

<h2>Separate windows for IPL, Tests</h2>

<p>With the rise of the Indian Premier League over the years, it has become a yardstick for selection, at least in the shortest format, with the best players across all nations willing to partake in the competition. Owing to BCCI’s influence on world cricket, more so for the revenue it generates throughout, no or least international cricket is scheduled during its window.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given what BCCI and IPL bring to the table, such a change in the overall picture makes sense, and Cummins, who plays in the cash-rich league, feels if there is a separate window for both competitions, it can benefit the players and Test cricket.</p>

<p>"In Australia, you know Test cricket is from November to January, and basically no other cricket is going to get in the way of us playing Test cricket then. If we can have specific windows for IPL but then also Test windows, that makes the decision-making for the players a lot easier," Cummins continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, England white-ball captain Jos Buttler commented on the same, saying international cricket and IPL should take place separately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s my personal opinion that there shouldn’t be any international cricket that clashes with the IPL. I think that these games have been on the calendar for a long time,” Buttler said to Sky Sports earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Franchise cricket has come in the way of emerging players eyeing an international career, with youngsters becoming more inclined towards playing franchise-based T20 Leagues worldwide.

Franchise cricket has come in the way of emerging players eyeing an international career, with youngsters becoming more inclined towards playing franchise-based T20 Leagues worldwide. Considering the model is money-minting, the reason behind the tilt is understandable; however, Australia Test Captain Pat Cummins has a solution to this problem. Cummins has exceeded on all fronts, from playing for Australia and delivering it across formats to winning matches at will in a handful of leagues he plays in. Speaking at MCC World Cricket Connects 2024 at Lord's lately, Cummins admits that this form of cricket has taken over because it’s more financially rewarding, while the participating players are aware of the windows, managing their calendars effectively. ALSO READ: ‘You’re an average cricket team’ – Tim Paine tears into Bazball-bound England Test side That, however, is not the case with centrally-contracted international players, who also wish to make a fortune out of it, and often get stuck between picking one. "Franchise cricket for some countries is more lucrative, more appealing than international cricket," Cummins said, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald. "If I went and played franchise cricket, I could probably be away for a half or a third of the amount we are for Australia." Separate windows for IPL, Tests With the rise of the Indian Premier League over the years, it has become a yardstick for selection, at least in the shortest format, with the best players across all nations willing to partake in the competition. Owing to BCCI’s influence on world cricket, more so for the revenue it generates throughout, no or least international cricket is scheduled during its window. Given what BCCI and IPL bring to the table, such a change in the overall picture makes sense, and Cummins, who plays in the cash-rich league, feels if there is a separate window for both competitions, it can benefit the players and Test cricket. "In Australia, you know Test cricket is from November to January, and basically no other cricket is going to get in the way of us playing Test cricket then. If we can have specific windows for IPL but then also Test windows, that makes the decision-making for the players a lot easier," Cummins continued. Meanwhile, England white-ball captain Jos Buttler commented on the same, saying international cricket and IPL should take place separately. “It’s my personal opinion that there shouldn’t be any international cricket that clashes with the IPL. I think that these games have been on the calendar for a long time,” Buttler said to Sky Sports earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Specific windows for IPL, Tests will help make decision-making for players easier’ – Pat Cummins

<p>West Indies&nbsp;mystery spinner Sunil Narine on Sunday (Nov 5) announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing curtains to a career that saw several stormy days on and off the field. Narine, a member of the West Indies' 2012 ICC T20 World Cup winning side, last played for the team in August 2019 in a T20I match against India at Providence.</p>

<p>Taking to his Instagram handle, the 35-year-old wrote: “I appreciate it has been over four years since I last played for West Indies, but today, I am announcing my retirement from International cricket."</p>

<p>"Publicly, I am a man of few words, but privately, there are a few people who have given me unwavering support throughout my career and helped me realise my dream of representing West Indies, and to you, I express my deepest gratitude."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narine thanked his family, especially his father, and others as he walked away from top-level cricket.</p>

<p>"I would like to acknowledge and thank Cricket West Indies, the coaching staff, passionate West Indies fans and of course my teammates who enabled me to play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Currently, Narine is playing in the ongoing Super50 Cup competition for Trinidad and Tobago, but he asserted that it would be his final List-A outing.</p>

<p>“I am also taking this opportunity to bow out of domestic 50-over cricket. I love representing Trinidad &amp; Tobago, the country of my birth, and to add another title by winning this current Super50 Cup will be the perfect send-off."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-taking-a-shift-in-former-wi-openers-glaring-suggestion-for-under-fire-sunil-narine-591261"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2023: 'Taking a shift in...': Former WI opener's glaring suggestion for under-fire Sunil Narine</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Narine said he will continue his association with the sport through franchise cricket.</p>

<p>"Needless to say, outside of this, it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future,” he concluded.</p>

<h2><strong>Narine's rise to the top</strong></h2>

<p>Narine came into the spotlight during the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2011 while playing for Trinidad. He became an instant hit as he could bowl a lot of variations, including skidders, knuckleballs, carrom balls etc.</p>

<p>The Trinidadian made his international debut for the Windies in 2011 during an ODI against India in Ahmedabad. Since then, he featured in 65 ODIs and bagged 92 wickets. He has also represented the Caribbeans in six Tests and 51 T20Is, scalping 21 and 52 wickets, respectively.</p>

<p>Narine was also an integral part of IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders since 2011 and also became a sought-after player in various T20 leagues across the globe.</p>

<p>Narine's bowling also created a lot of controversy as he was suspended on a few instances for allegedly having an illegal bowling action.</p>

<p>However, he managed to rework his action and continued to make near-similar impacts.</p>

<p>Narine's batting has also been the talk in various T20 leagues as he has delivered quite often as a hard-hitting opener.</p>


West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine on Sunday (Nov 5) announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing curtains to a career that saw several stormy days on and off the field.

West Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine on Sunday (Nov 5) announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing curtains to a career that saw several stormy days on and off the field. Narine, a member of the West Indies' 2012 ICC T20 World Cup winning side, last played for the team in August 2019 in a T20I match against India at Providence. Taking to his Instagram handle, the 35-year-old wrote: “I appreciate it has been over four years since I last played for West Indies, but today, I am announcing my retirement from International cricket." "Publicly, I am a man of few words, but privately, there are a few people who have given me unwavering support throughout my career and helped me realise my dream of representing West Indies, and to you, I express my deepest gratitude." Narine thanked his family, especially his father, and others as he walked away from top-level cricket. "I would like to acknowledge and thank Cricket West Indies, the coaching staff, passionate West Indies fans and of course my teammates who enabled me to play at the highest level, in all formats and with some memorable successes." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunil Narine (@sunilnarine24) × Currently, Narine is playing in the ongoing Super50 Cup competition for Trinidad and Tobago, but he asserted that it would be his final List-A outing. “I am also taking this opportunity to bow out of domestic 50-over cricket. I love representing Trinidad & Tobago, the country of my birth, and to add another title by winning this current Super50 Cup will be the perfect send-off." Also read | IPL 2023: 'Taking a shift in...': Former WI opener's glaring suggestion for under-fire Sunil Narine However, Narine said he will continue his association with the sport through franchise cricket. "Needless to say, outside of this, it will continue to be business as usual for me in the franchise world for the foreseeable future,” he concluded. Narine's rise to the top Narine came into the spotlight during the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2011 while playing for Trinidad. He became an instant hit as he could bowl a lot of variations, including skidders, knuckleballs, carrom balls etc. The Trinidadian made his international debut for the Windies in 2011 during an ODI against India in Ahmedabad. Since then, he featured in 65 ODIs and bagged 92 wickets. He has also represented the Caribbeans in six Tests and 51 T20Is, scalping 21 and 52 wickets, respectively. Narine was also an integral part of IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders since 2011 and also became a sought-after player in various T20 leagues across the globe. Narine's bowling also created a lot of controversy as he was suspended on a few instances for allegedly having an illegal bowling action. However, he managed to rework his action and continued to make near-similar impacts. Narine's batting has also been the talk in various T20 leagues as he has delivered quite often as a hard-hitting opener.

West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine retires from international cricket, aged 35

<p>Former England cricket team captain Nasser Hussain believes the game would lose something fundamental if T20 franchise cricket is the only option the fans have in the future. Hussain has highlighted the glaring issues in the current trend of players prioritising T20 franchise cricket over international formats and believes Test and ODIs can't be compromised at any cost.</p>

<p>Cricket is currently facing an existential crisis as the debate has intensified over the packed schedule of cricketers, who play all three formats of the game. Several former cricketers and experts believe franchise T20 cricket is the future and that bilateral ODIs should be done away with to reduce the workload of players.</p>

<p>The likes of Ben Stokes and Quinton de Kock giving up one international format to prolong their careers have also put the spotlight on the schedule of cricketers. However, with New Zealand pacer Trent Boult's decision to opt out of a central contract and play limited international cricket to spend time with his family, the concerns over the future of Tests and ODIs have grown.</p>

<p>Boult has opted for the decision to spend time with his family and play less international cricket. A decision which might have been taken considering the fact he can still make millions playing lesser round the year in a couple of T20 leagues around the globe. He might not be the last international star to do so as many might opt to play in T20 franchise leagues for lucrative contracts while compromising on international cricket in the future.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-announce-mens-international-calendar-for-2023-27-india-to-play-tests-against-australia-and-england-507729">ICC announce men's international calendar for 2023-27, India to play Tests against Australia and England</a></p>

<p>Hussain has strong views on the current trend of players preferring franchise leagues ike the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League&nbsp;over international cricket as the former England captain believes 'everything needs to be in proportion' for the brighter future of the game in the years to come.</p>

<p>"My overall view, though, is that everything needs to be in proportion. For me, first-class county cricket is the starter, Test cricket the main course, and all the white-ball stuff the pudding — enjoyable and moreish," Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail.</p>

<p>"But — and it’s a big but — you don’t want to be eating pudding every night of the week for the rest of your life. And that’s where the game has an issue," he wrote further.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/high-demand-for-india-pakistan-asia-cup-tickets-prompts-increase-in-availability-of-passes-and-a-policy-change-507684">High demand for India-Pakistan Asia Cup tickets prompts increase in availability of passes and a policy change</a></p>

<p>Hussian expressed his concerns over white-ball cricket getting hold of players at the start of their careers and making superstars out of them for their little 10-12-ball cameos in T20s. Hussain drew a comparison between veteran Kieron Pollard, who has retired from international cricket but continues to play T20 leagues and South African youngster Tristan Stubbs - who recently slammed a stunning 10-ball 27 for his team in The Hundred and grabbed the limelight.</p>

<p>"One area of concern is the extent to which white-ball cricket is now getting hold of players at the start of their careers. It used to be the case that older players would ride off into the T20 sunset, and make a bit of cash before calling it a day," wrote Hussain.</p>

<p>"Ten balls and four sixes are all you need to become box-office, and attract the IPL owners. If you’re starting your career now, there is a direct route — if you’re talented enough — to making a million. I don’t blame the players for choosing it," he added.</p>


Former England cricket team captain Nasser Hussain believes the game would lose something fundamental if T20 franchise cricket is the only option the fans have in the future.

Former England cricket team captain Nasser Hussain believes the game would lose something fundamental if T20 franchise cricket is the only option the fans have in the future. Hussain has highlighted the glaring issues in the current trend of players prioritising T20 franchise cricket over international formats and believes Test and ODIs can't be compromised at any cost. Cricket is currently facing an existential crisis as the debate has intensified over the packed schedule of cricketers, who play all three formats of the game. Several former cricketers and experts believe franchise T20 cricket is the future and that bilateral ODIs should be done away with to reduce the workload of players. The likes of Ben Stokes and Quinton de Kock giving up one international format to prolong their careers have also put the spotlight on the schedule of cricketers. However, with New Zealand pacer Trent Boult's decision to opt out of a central contract and play limited international cricket to spend time with his family, the concerns over the future of Tests and ODIs have grown. Boult has opted for the decision to spend time with his family and play less international cricket. A decision which might have been taken considering the fact he can still make millions playing lesser round the year in a couple of T20 leagues around the globe. He might not be the last international star to do so as many might opt to play in T20 franchise leagues for lucrative contracts while compromising on international cricket in the future. Also Read: ICC announce men's international calendar for 2023-27, India to play Tests against Australia and England Hussain has strong views on the current trend of players preferring franchise leagues ike the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League over international cricket as the former England captain believes 'everything needs to be in proportion' for the brighter future of the game in the years to come. "My overall view, though, is that everything needs to be in proportion. For me, first-class county cricket is the starter, Test cricket the main course, and all the white-ball stuff the pudding — enjoyable and moreish," Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. "But — and it’s a big but — you don’t want to be eating pudding every night of the week for the rest of your life. And that’s where the game has an issue," he wrote further. Also Read: High demand for India-Pakistan Asia Cup tickets prompts increase in availability of passes and a policy change Hussian expressed his concerns over white-ball cricket getting hold of players at the start of their careers and making superstars out of them for their little 10-12-ball cameos in T20s. Hussain drew a comparison between veteran Kieron Pollard, who has retired from international cricket but continues to play T20 leagues and South African youngster Tristan Stubbs - who recently slammed a stunning 10-ball 27 for his team in The Hundred and grabbed the limelight. "One area of concern is the extent to which white-ball cricket is now getting hold of players at the start of their careers. It used to be the case that older players would ride off into the T20 sunset, and make a bit of cash before calling it a day," wrote Hussain. "Ten balls and four sixes are all you need to become box-office, and attract the IPL owners. If you’re starting your career now, there is a direct route — if you’re talented enough — to making a million. I don’t blame the players for choosing it," he added.

The game would be losing something fundamental if we just watch T20 franchise stuff: Nasser Hussain