Zaheer Khan Backs Virat Kohli's Idea Of Having Dedicated Test Centres

Test cricket is still followed by a plethora of avid supporters in India but it has failed to draw massive numbers to watch the game in the stadiums. The recently-concluded Test series against South Africa which India convincingly won 3-0 didn’t see more supporters after which, Indian captain Virat Kohli had proposed strong five-Test centres across the country to make the red-ball cricket even more interesting.

Meanwhile, the former Indian left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan has backed Virat Kohli’s concept of having “strong” Test centres across the nation to attract more fans to the stadium. Nonetheless, Zaheer Khan feels that five, as suggested by the Indian captain is too small a number given the size of the country and which is why it is important to have more such venues that can be considered to host a Test match.

“(Strong Test centres) It makes things easier. In theory, it sounds good. But, maybe, on the whole, the number can be debated. I feel five is just too small a number with regard to the size of the country. I am also in line with that thought process where you have dedicated Test centres are the criterions are met keeping in mind what is best for Test centres,” Zaheer Khan told news agency IANS on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi T10 league.

Test cricket will not be impacted by the growing popularity of T20 cricket: Zaheer Khan

There is a common perception in the country that Test cricket would get impacted by the increasing popularity of T20I cricket. However, the 41-year-old Zaheer reckons Test cricket is still at the peak and will not get affected by the shorter versions of the game.

Watch: Virat Kohli’s Beautiful Gesture For His Special Fan

“As I have said earlier also, I don’t think so Test cricket is facing any kind of problem by the advent of the shorter formats of the game. Test cricket is the highest and the purest form of cricket and it’s been going on since ages. Every cricketer wants to enjoy cricket and Test matches are the highest level where players have a lot to prove. I think going in the future, you will see a lot of tri-series and quadrilateral series in the ODI and T20 formats which should be the way forward to keep the game more interesting for the fans,” he added.

Zaheer Khan went on to add saying that day-night Test is a good way to make the red-ball cricket more exciting and entertaining. “Day-night Test is a method of trying to make the red-ball cricket more interesting,” the former pacer said when asked about the historic pink-ball Test between India and Bangladesh which is set to be played at the Eden Gardens from November 22.