Dwayne Bravo criticises ICC two-tier Test cricket proposals
Saturday 4 June 2016 13:41, UK
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo says it will take more than just a two-tier divisional system to increase the popularity of Test cricket worldwide.
World cricket's governing body, the International Cricket Council, is due to hold discussions with each of its member nations with regards to a proposed league for Test cricket.
The proposal, which could be established inside three years, is an attempt to increase the worldwide popularity of the five-day game, which has decreased rapidly following the introduction of Twenty20 cricket.
However Bravo, who has played 40 Test matches for the West Indies, says the ICC needs to "face reality" and is critical of the proposals.
"It will struggle because of the shorter formats of the game," said the Trinidadian, who retired from Test cricket in 2015.
"It's shorter, it's more entertaining, it's more fan friendly. The kids look more towards the shorter format.
"I think people just have to face reality, times change. Kids realise that it will benefit them financially if they play the shorter format of the game.
"As a Test player, those who are in charge have to do something differently to encourage people to play Test cricket.
"As professional players, this is what you do for a living. So it's common sense, if you weight it up, if it doesn't benefit you financially - players know and make decisions for their family and their careers."
