Kevin Pietersen predicts decline of Test cricket before 2026, says 'WTC won't be around'

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has predicted that Test cricket will be phased out by 2026, with only three teams remaining. Pietersen took to social media to express his concerns about declining calibre of game's longest format, predicting that only a few Test cricket nations, notably India, England, and Australia, will be around by 2026. Pietersen went on to say that if South Africa and Pakistan can maintain ir standards, y may be able to stay in game. 

42-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator, on or hand, has little faith in or Test-playing nations, such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Banglesh. When a social media user pointed out to Pietersen that he h missed out on recently crowned World Test Champions New Zealand, ex-England captain predicted competition will die out by 2026 and that Kiwis' rich history would help m survive on bigger boards. Pietersen went on to stress that he has nothing against New Zealand team, but is simply stating what he is seeing.

Is Pietersen right?

Pietersen is somewhat correct in his prediction as T20 format has alrey started to pick up pace in several parts of world, where cricket wasn't remotely popular before white-ball era. Afghanistan is a massive example of how T20 format is taking over Tests as country boasts an unimaginable story of ir rise in world cricket on back of ir success in shortest form of game. rise of T20 cricket may be good from commercial perspective but only real cricket fans would know fun behind watching a five-day-long game that is full of suspense, horror, and sometimes a thrilling finish. However, Test cricket does have some disvantages, including fact that it can often end in a draw, leaving fans without a result. 

International Cricket Council (ICC) has me several efforts of late to preserve standard of Test cricket around world, including start of a World Cup-like competition called World Test Championship. Several top players such as Indian skipper Virat Kohli are taking a proactive approach in promoting longest format. 

(Image: AP)