"Test Cricket Being In Danger Is Not A Good Thing": Former India Cricketer

The IPL being the “envy of the world” delights former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer but he also wants the stakeholders to bring Test cricket out of “danger" zone. While financially strong nations like India, England and Australia remain committed to Test cricket, players from smaller countries are preferring to ply their trade in franchise leagues around the world as they offer better money. “Test cricket being in danger is not a good thing. It is good that the game is prospering all over the world through T20 leagues but Test cricket should never be sacrificed,” Engineer told PTI.

“That is why the World Test Championship is a showcase to the world that Test cricket can be just as interesting as limited overs cricket.

“It is a game of chess depending on the conditions. It is the ultimate test for batters. There should be room for both Test and limited overs cricket,” said the 85-year-old, who has travelled to London from his Manchester base to watch the WTC final between India and Australia.

The final is being played at The Oval, where India won their first ever Test in England back in 1971. Engineer had played a big part in that momentous win with a 59 in the first innings.

It is remarkable that even at this age, Engineer continues to watch the game closely, including the T20 leagues around the world, as he feels it is important to keep up with the times.

He played the game when cricketers earned Rs 50 a day, but he could not be more happy that the current generation is making millions in the IPL.

“India have taken a lead in Test cricket and in limited overs cricket we have IPL which is the envy of the world. Indian cricket holds the strings and that makes me hugely delighted,” said of one the few Parsi cricketers