Cricket is run by people who have not played cricket – Arjuna Ranatunga
With many countries choosing to reduce the number of Test matches they play in order to create more space for Twenty20 cricket, there is a growing sense that the game’s most traditional form is heading towards a slow death. The Sunday Times decided to ask the public just what they thought of this development.
 In this part of the world, cricket is run by people who haven’t played cricket. They just want to earn money. In countries like England and Australia they still value Test cricket - Arjuna Ranatunga (World Cup-winning captain and former President of Sri Lanka Cricket) |
 Several years ago Mahela and Sangakkara performed really well because they played a lot of Test matches, but with the recent trend of T20s their batting styles had to be changed. This resulted in poor performance. Cricket is not all about spectators. Cricketers will improve only when they play Test matches. - Dulshan Silva (Former school cricketer) |
 People do not like to watch Test matches and enjoy 50 over and 20 over matches mainly due to the time factor. I think T20 is best for those who enjoy the game, but do not have much time to watch Test matches. - M.S.N Hassanbari (Shop owner) |
 T20 is all about earning money. Cricketers go for it because they can earn more than they could as Test cricketers. The IPL, the SLPL and the Champions League are all about money for the cricketers and there is a lot of gambling involved. Cricket became a gentleman’s game mainly because of Test matches. - M.S.M. Faiz (Supervisory officer) |
 T20 is mainly to attract people to watch cricket. A lot of people started watching cricket matches after the introduction of T20 cricket. But a cricketer will benefit and sharpen his skills by playing Test cricket. A cricketer can establish himself only through Test matches. - Madhawa Nimesh (Schoolboy cricketer) |
 With their busy lives, people prefer to watch T20 matches as the matches are played within a short period of time and we are able to get an exciting result within a few hours. - Nimesha Wijegunawardene (Student) |
 A lot of people enjoy the thrill of a T20 match and the best thing is that they can enjoy a match while attending to their other work. 50 over games and Test matches are not suitable for a modern lifestyle. - Praneeth (Student) |
 Since the inception of cricket, Tests have been famous. If a cricketer needs to improve his skills he needs to play more Test matches. T20 does not give a cricketer the chance to improve. It’s just a game to please the crowd. - Rodney Philip (Private sector employee) |
 Many countries became famous because of Test cricket. In order to maintain the quality of the game and secure its place as the gentleman’s game, Test cricket is very important. - Sunil Prasanna (Cricket Coach of Royal College, Panadura) |
 I guess it’s a good move because Twenty20 cricket is more fun and entertaining and Test cricket is kind of boring. - Thashma (Student) |
 T20 is the latest trend, but a cricketer will gain experience and sharpen his skills only during Test matches. Test matches are essential for a budding cricketer. - W. Gamage (Retired English teacher) |
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