Afridi backs day-night Test

Karachi:

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday backed the idea of having day-night Test matches, saying it was necessary for the survival of the longer format of the game.

"I definitely support this idea to have Test matches under lights because in this changing world it is necessary to make changes according to times," Afridi said.

He pointed out that Twenty20 cricket was already giving Test cricket a stiff competition and the five-day game needed to evolve as well.

"When you can have Twenty20 cricket and 50-overs cricket under lights why not Test matches? I think it would increase the crowd participation and increase revenues and viewership for Test matches," Afridi said.

Afridi, who remained in a self-imposed exile from Test cricket for more then four years before returning to the five-day format recently, said he wanted to see Test cricket progress.

"It is the real test for cricketers but it is also a fact that nowadays people don't have time to go to the grounds for five days during the day time," he explained.

"I support any move that is aimed at betterment in the sport," he added.

Afridi said issues like what colour ball to use in Test cricket or the playing kits of teams were issues that could be sorted out in time.

"When they used white ball for the first time in one-day cricket it took time before things fell into place," he said.

Afridi said that it was necessary for the ICC and member countries to take steps to ensure that all three formats of the sport -- Test, ODIs and Twenty20 -- survived together and evoked equal interest among the cricket lovers.