Ashwin sounds warning on Test cricket's future, says BCCI alone cannot solve the problem

Ashwin acknowledged the practical hurdles players face while emphasising the unique rewards of the longest format.

Updated on: Jun 5, 2026, 21:29:15 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Test cricket is in a tough spot. As T20 leagues grow worldwide, they are stealing the spotlight and winning over the next generation. This shift has cast doubt on the future of 50-over matches, while Test cricket is struggling to survive.

R Ashwin highlights worrying Test cricket trend. (REUTERS)

In India, this challenge feels even bigger. With legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring, the interest in the traditional five-day format has slowed down significantly. To fight this decline, the BCCI has stepped in with a clear plan to protect the game's roots. By completely restructuring how first-class players are paid, the board is working to keep the red-ball format relevant and financially rewarding. This move is a crucial effort to ensure that the foundation of Indian Test cricket remains strong, despite the massive popularity of the shorter, faster game.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the challenges facing Test cricket extend far beyond India, stressing that the longest format requires stronger incentives to attract the next generation of players. While acknowledging the BCCI's efforts to boost first-class cricket through a revamped pay structure, Ashwin questioned whether enough is being done globally to make red-ball cricket an appealing career path in an era increasingly dominated by T20 leagues.

“First-class cricket needs to be attractive enough for players to take up. The BCCI has made an attempt by revamping the salary structure, but I don’t think Test cricket is just India’s problem, it is a global one. Are players being incentivised enough to take up the red-ball game?" Ashwin said at the Cricinfo Honours Awards.

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Nothing can replace Test cricket

Ashwin continued his reflection on the realities of the modern game, acknowledging the practical hurdles players face while emphasising the unique rewards of the longest format.

“That is a tough proposition when players can play for a couple of months and pretty much earn a good living. That said, having played Test cricket and put my body on the line, I can say that nothing compares to the feeling at the end of a hard-fought Test match. Nothing can replace it. And if you are serious about Test cricket, young cricketers should be groomed by slightly old-fashioned coaches," he said in conclusion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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