By Zainab Shafiq 
Australian expert expresses genuine concerns over the potential demise of Test cricket, citing the growing dominance of T20 cricket globally. The proliferation of T20 leagues, including the expanded IPL with 10 teams and the upcoming second edition of IT20, has created a cash-rich environment that competes with traditional formats.
Todd Greenberg, CEO of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, voices these worries, emphasizing that it is not fearmongering but a legitimate concern. The influx of multiple T20 leagues, such as SA20, ILT20, and PSL in 2024, along with the ongoing BBL, has led players to prioritize lucrative T20 commitments over national team duties.
Greenberg acknowledges that while the pressure on traditional formats could potentially elevate opportunities, the risk lies in smaller cricketing nations struggling to retain their top players due to the allure of global T20 leagues. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring a diverse and competitive Test cricket landscape beyond the traditional powerhouses like Australia, England, and India.
Expressing concerns for countries like South Africa and New Zealand, Greenberg fears that financial constraints may force them to forfeit their best players to global leagues, impacting the competitive balance in Test cricket. He underlines the need for a realistic approach to address these challenges and safeguard the long-term sustainability of Test cricket involving a broader spectrum of cricketing nations.
My message is, we’re under pressure,’ he told News Corp.
‘Pressure might be a good thing, because it will lift all of our opportunities up and make us the best we can be, but other countries are really struggling,
‘And we can’t play against ourselves. So I’d like to think that Test cricket is more than just Australia, England and India in 10 years’ time.
‘We want to make sure that Pakistan and South Africa and New Zealand and others can continue to play against us.
‘I worry that countries like South Africa and New Zealand in 10 years time may no longer be able to afford to have their best players playing and disappearing because of the push and pull of global leagues.
‘So that is a concern. And I don’t think I’m being an alarmist. I think I’m being a realist.’