KARACHI: The concept and character of Test cricket needs to undergo a radical change for the game to continue to stay popular with masses throughout the world.
Emphasizing change is the essence of cricket, Mushtaq Ali 75, said here that the time had come when the rules for five day Tests should be suitably changed to make the game lively and absorbing.
Mushtaq Ali, who is here on a private visit to meet his ailing uncle, said that the International Cricket Conference (ICC) should approach this subject with an open According to Mushtaq Ali, players of his era played Test matches like present-day crop was playing instant cricket and that was one of the major contributory factors for spectators turning up to watch five day games.
The spectators appeal has dwindled dovm’a great deal because Test matches are devoid of thrills,” said Mushtaq Ali adding, “where I playing in these types of matches, I would have been more aggressive, more enterprising and would have enthralled the spectators even more,”
Mushtag Ali was candid in saying that the ICC was not according the status of first class cricket to one dayers because members particularly English and Australian, were apprehensive that Test matches wotld get a further setback. Visiting Pakistan after a period of 30 cricket and one dayers would go hand in years, he came here in 1958 to play hand only after authorities amended the benefit match. Mushtaq Ali said that Test rules in the interest of the game.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 15, 1989
