Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is worried the traditional forms of cricket could lose their appeal with supporters after a growth in interest in the Twenty20 game.
The inaugural World Twenty20 tournament, which reaches its climax in South Africa today, has been a huge success with spectators and sponsors alike.
But although his country will face India in the final, former Pakistan batsman Miandad is concerned it is taking interest away from Test and one-day cricket.
'They (the ICC) are turning cricket into baseball. In their bid to further commercialise and globalise the sport they are ruining its traditional character and spirit,' Miandad told The News.
'Why would a sponsor bother putting money into Test matches when he can get more mileage in less time?
'Why would people come to watch Test matches if they can get bang-bang action in four hours?
'This is not the cricket we played and are aware of. Winning any tournament is an achievement for any team but this is not real cricket.'
