COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AFP)-- West Indies legend Garfield Sobers yesterday accused cash-rich Twenty20 tournaments of destroying Test cricket by luring players away from the longest form of the sport with large amounts of cash.
The 79-year-old, regarded by many as cricket's greatest all-rounder, told reporters in Colombo that the huge amount of money offered to players by T20 tournaments, especially the Indian Premier League (IPL), had taken a toll on his beloved game.
"I think Twenty20 has taken a toll," he said while on a visit to Sri Lanka as chief guest at the second Test between hosts Sri Lanka and West Indies starting in Colombo Thursday.
He did not think the 20-over game will fade away, but said he supported the idea of day-night Test matches to win back spectators for the longest form, which he said was the "utmost" for any player.

read the full article at Jamaica Observer

In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

Maybe Test cricket is taking its toll on T20 cricket, which is why so many players are making excuses not to play Tests....

In reply to mikesiva

One will help fund the other. No player will be called great because he did well in t20. The crux of the sport is that it is a stats driven skill sport, and this is a shorter version to help monetise it better.

However the entire statistical base of the sport is based on Test and ODI cricket.

In reply to Commie

Fazeer Mohammed just answered you....

Malinga only played 30 Tests. He doesn't care about a legacy in Test cricket. He's now much wealthier than Marvan Atapattu, who played 90 Tests.

I don't think Malinga is saying, "Oh, how I wished I'd followed Atapattu and played more Test cricket."

In reply to mikesiva

Fazeer reads here...hasnt got an original thought in his head.

Ask him if he ever saw Narine pelt

Im not sure what kind of point that is. Is there some kind of wealth table or even a happiness gauge ? Do you know how Malinga will end up in life vs Attapatu ?

The SPORT measures statistical relevance and standing. Players look out for their priorities and fans look out for their statistical standings and the entertainment and the wins they offer.

Murali and vaas and Sangie are far more recognisable and notable than Malinga will ever be and its not because they made more money.

In reply to mikesiva

Money isn't all. In the twilight of his days he will say he regrets he didn't play more tests. Nothing wrong with T20s tho. Horses for courses with a few players able to do all

In reply to sudden

You got that right!




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Isn't money always the determining factor? Didn't Sir Gary go to apartheid Rhodesia to play a double wicket tournament for money?
Bottom line is that we can jump high and jump low but most people have to put self and family first to ensure their financial security. That is the reality of life.

T20 came a bit after we drank the last shot and left the burial ground

In reply to mikesiva

The only "cricketers" who are having trouble with test cricket because of T20 are the West Indians. That tells me that it's not T20 that's causing the problem it's the players themselves. These West Indian "cricketers" don't seem to have brains in their heads. They are incapable of adjusting to situations. So many times I see these "cricketers" go out to bat and just needed to simply quietly and sensibly settle in, but instead they go out there yamming at every ball like bush wackers. They just seem to lack the ability to think and play smart. And if this continues, pretty soon there will be no more West Indies cricket.

In reply to rhatid

You are nearer the real point,, It's about Passion not PAY,

The Greastest eist Indian Criketer Sir Garfield Sobers is not bemoaning players making Money!
It's the pain of watching people who done care enough, keep losing cannot be bothered to improve.

It should hurt like crazy if you or your COUNTRY always comes of second best. In a two hours early race.
Passion; Pride; and Professionalism should drive YOU.

Money will naturally follow in today's world of big company product placement and advertising. Big money don't mean a thing. Your are first and foremost a sports man (teacher or parent for that matter) first not some commercial banker. If you love it and you are passionate about it you would even do it for FREE. It should be an honour to ware the colours of your Country and walk onto the same grounds as the Icons and beat the best that are around in your day.

Sports men are supposed to be heroes; Gladiators; role models! They are meant to Make their Families, colleagues and country men proud.

Here a test question:
Hands up any West Indian who is very proud of the money a Chris Gale; a Dwayne Bravo or a Narine et al are making playing the game of Cricket.

Money is no motivation or cause for celebration it's one of the rewards the fringe benefits.

Ask these Guys: Sobers, Ali, Pele; Tiger Woods; Tendulka; (160 million net worth) Federer; Andy Murray what is it really all about?

See clip:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Q_EHGVC0c


Do you Sense the Passion. This man is a very rich sporting heroes but it's not the money.

The question for West Indian Cricketers does it really matter to you that Millions are watching you, then make your country men and supporter Proud, make the opposition repect you.

Let History remember that you played, you really played The GAME!