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Test cricket may still be called the purest form of the game, but former IPL chairman Lalit Modi believes that it is heading towards a serious crisis. In a bold statement, Modi warned that the traditional format of the game could slowly disappear if cricket administrators do not take big steps to make it relevant for modern fans.
The T20 leagues continue to attract huge crowds, massive television deals, and young audiences, but Test cricket is finding it harder to compete for attention, and Modi feels the longer format of the game needs modern methods if it wants to survive in the future.
Lalit Modi predicts the end of bilateral Test series
Lalit Modi suggested that Test cricket needs franchise-style competitions if the longest format wants to remain relevant in the modern era. He made it clear that bilateral Test series will die in the coming years. With leagues taking up more space in the calendar and players having multiple opportunities around the world, he wants the ICC to scrap ODIs to keep Test cricket alive.
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Modi was quoted as saying by ANI: “I am saying that Test matches on a bilateral basis will die. The next prediction of mine is that now they should allow IPL-type (T20-type) Test matches. The next thing that they should be doing is for Test matches to come in. One-Day (ODI) should die. The test should survive. Test is a very important part.”
The former IPL boss also raised concerns about the growing gap between Test matches. Earlier this year, there was a lengthy break in the Test calendar as the franchise leagues and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 dominated the schedule. Additionally, Modi feels the biggest challenge for Test cricket is financial reality.
It is not just about money: Lalit Modi sounds alarm over Test Cricket's future
Unlike T20 leagues, which generate huge interest and revenue, Test cricket often struggles to attract large audiences outside a few major rivalries. Because of that, Modi believes that the format may eventually need support from franchise owners and private investment to remain relevant.
He suggested the ICC allow the IPL franchises to run separate Test teams, and that will bring millions of young fans to the red-ball matches. The former IPL chairman also wants country-versus-country Test cricket to continue through a strong global championship structure, while franchise-based red-ball matches could act as an additional attraction rather than a replacement.
Modi added, “Unfortunately, Test cricket will die if it's not taken over by club cricket because of no viewership on a global level. So, it will be a loss leader. I'm not saying everything has to make money... You don't have to have profit in everything. You've got to do something for the game too.”
Lalit Modi proposes IPL-Style Test teams for survival
Lalit Modi also suggested shortening Test matches to four days and increasing the number of day-night contests. The former IPL chairman further explained, “The only way Test cricket will work is if somebody shoots me for saying this. First time I'm saying this. Let the IPL teams own Test cricket teams. You got the youngsters; you got the loyalty factors. You play your country versus country, without a doubt, that's premier.”
Lalit Modi signed off by saying, “I'm saying you have it as a world championship that goes around the world every year; you play those without a doubt, but also so that it doesn't disappear, you have exhibition matches starting off with it – teams playing Test cricket."
"At least play one in a season against each other just to get their youngsters back into the game. That's going to be like club cricket. You have club cricket in everything. But the primary has to be country versus country.”
