T10 should be regarded as overdoing the entertainment quotient: Ian Chappell

Ian Chappell says the sport's administrators would do well to not add T10 to the smorgasbord of choices that they already offer. Chappell, one of the finest minds to have played the game, is of the view that an "all-encompassing debate" on cricket's future is long overdue and that a "firm decision" on how many formats are best suited to the game should be arrived at, at the earliest. "Debate on this subject should have been held long ago.

It's not too late now but the list of attendees has grown, given the relative strength of the women's game, and the substantial influence of climate change," Chappell wrote on ESPNcricinfo. "Playing styles have changed drastically in a few decades and still there is no blueprint for cricket's future. Much as it did during the World Series Cricket (WSC) insurrection of the 1970s, the administration lurches ahead, driven mainly by knee-jerk reaction.

"The WSC (World Series Cricket) insurrection was over pay and conditions but it was the 50-over game that eventually prospered. Now T20 is the headline format, with Test cricket receiving occasional favourable mentions from players," he added. Chappell also touched upon Ben Stokes' abrupt decision to retire from the ODI format, saying it was not unexpected but a concern nevertheless.

"Played well, the 50-over game makes for a good cricket match that is rewarding in its entertainment value. Those are generally the sentiments of older players, who knew only two formats. "Current players often place the IPL, in particular, and T20 in general, at the top of the list when it comes to satisfaction.

"This is why the future of the game needs thoughtful consideration. A firm decision is needed on how many playing formats are best for cricket. Once