Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, has shed light on the financial motivations driving players to prefer T20 cricket over Test matches. Speaking in the context of preserving Test cricket’s significance, Khawaja emphasized the need for international boards to offer competitive salaries to players, thereby making Test cricket a more financially viable option.
According to Khawaja, “If I was a player from another nation and getting paid ok to play international cricket, I’m getting paid a truckload more to play T20 cricket, I’m going to be playing the T20 cricket. Not because it doesn’t mean anything – I love playing for my country, but it is also a case of looking after your family, doing things right.”
Khawaja highlighted the need for transparency in the financial structures of cricket boards worldwide to ensure equitable compensation for players. He emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing financial shortfalls in certain cricketing nations, suggesting that the global cricketing community should rally to support countries facing financial difficulties in promoting Test cricket.
Khawaja stated, “We’ve got to figure out a way for them (other countries) to be incentivised to play international and particularly Test cricket. That requires transparency from all cricket boards to try to figure out how to pay the players the best way they can.”
The Australian batsman’s remarks echo a growing concern in cricket about the future of Test matches amidst the increasing prominence of T20 leagues worldwide. Khawaja’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the complex interplay between financial incentives and players’ commitment to different formats of the game.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
