Indore, Aug 28:
Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has said that while the Indian Premier League remains vital for the growth and commercial strength of cricket, Test cricket is essential for developing depth and producing complete cricketers.
Speaking after attending the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association’s annual awards ceremony in Indore, Srinath said the IPL had played an important role in expanding opportunities and exposing young players to high-pressure competition.
However, he stressed that the longer format continued to be the true test of a cricketer’s technique, temperament and ability to perform consistently.
Srinath said Test cricket provided the foundation needed to create a strong pool of players capable of adapting to different conditions and situations.
The former fast bowler noted that T20 cricket had transformed the sporting and financial landscape, but warned against allowing the longer format to lose its importance.
According to Srinath, a healthy domestic and international Test structure is necessary to ensure that cricket continues to produce players with the skills required across formats.
His remarks reflect the continuing debate over the balance between franchise cricket and the traditional formats of the game.
Srinath said the IPL was an important part of modern cricket, but maintaining the strength of Test cricket was equally necessary for the long-term depth and quality of the sport.