Former Pakistan captain and one of the greatest fast bowlers of the history of the game, Wasim Akram
is off the opinion that Test cricket is the highest form of the game
and a player has to excel in the longer version of the sport if he is to
be remembered
in the history books as a great cricketer.
The game of cricket has changed significantly in the last one decade as the limited-overs format of the game has gained attention of cricket fans all around the world. The introduction of franchise cricket in the shape of Indian Premier League and Champions League T20 has also not done any good for the betterment of Test cricket.
The shorter format of the game has brought a lot of sponsorship with itself and this is the reason why a high number of International cricketers have started to prefer franchise cricket over representing their respective countries. It prompted some of the legends of the game to retire much earlier than expected.
Wasim said that every cricketer has his own priorities but Test cricket will always remain the real deal in the sport. Shorter format of the game has brought a short-cut to success for cricketers but they will have to make their mark in the five-day form of the game in order to be called great cricketers in future.
The former Pakistan captain said, “It varies from cricketer to cricketer, but if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, for that you have to be known for playing test cricket. For some it's easier to retire from test cricket, to play just Twenty20 cricket, earn a lot of money and then disappear.”
While talking about the less number of high-class fast bowlers in present-day cricket, Wasim was all praise for South African, Dale Steyn, and feels that the tear away fast bowler should be an example for the youngsters.
“Someone like Dale Steyn will be remembered as a great as he's an exceptional bowler who runs in hard for every ball he bowls whatever the format and that's the difference in his attitude compared to some others,” he added.
The game of cricket has changed significantly in the last one decade as the limited-overs format of the game has gained attention of cricket fans all around the world. The introduction of franchise cricket in the shape of Indian Premier League and Champions League T20 has also not done any good for the betterment of Test cricket.
The shorter format of the game has brought a lot of sponsorship with itself and this is the reason why a high number of International cricketers have started to prefer franchise cricket over representing their respective countries. It prompted some of the legends of the game to retire much earlier than expected.
Wasim said that every cricketer has his own priorities but Test cricket will always remain the real deal in the sport. Shorter format of the game has brought a short-cut to success for cricketers but they will have to make their mark in the five-day form of the game in order to be called great cricketers in future.
The former Pakistan captain said, “It varies from cricketer to cricketer, but if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, for that you have to be known for playing test cricket. For some it's easier to retire from test cricket, to play just Twenty20 cricket, earn a lot of money and then disappear.”
While talking about the less number of high-class fast bowlers in present-day cricket, Wasim was all praise for South African, Dale Steyn, and feels that the tear away fast bowler should be an example for the youngsters.
“Someone like Dale Steyn will be remembered as a great as he's an exceptional bowler who runs in hard for every ball he bowls whatever the format and that's the difference in his attitude compared to some others,” he added.
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