Concerned with the dwindling crowds for international cricket matches, former India captain Rahul Dravid said fans have sent a strong message that should not be ignored.

The newly-appointed Chairman of the Pakistan cricket Board, Chaudhary Zaka Ashraf on Wednesday, held talks with some former Test cricketers ahead of assuming his duty later this week.

As England and India get ready to contest what will be the 2,000th Test match ever played, the International Cricket Council has promised to protect the "pinnacle form of the game".

Floodlit Test matches could become a reality within two years if another 12 months of trials in first-class cricket are successful. The ICC Cricket Committee, which held a two-day meeting at Lord's, recommended that the pink ball should be used in Intercontinental Cup matches and domestic competitions.

They've braved expulsion, multiple court cases and, for one of them, a diminished salary cap just to participate in the 2011 IPL. Despite all those question marks, though, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab wear their success literally on their sleeve.