Former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith says international cricket should only consist of Tests and ODIs. 

According to the Hindustan Times, Smith addressed his concerns about the importance of Test cricket compared to T20 international cricket at an event in Mumbai, suggesting that the ICC should scrap the shortest format.

‘Maybe the ICC needs to look at six months of T20 cricket domestically and six months of international cricket,’ said Smith. ‘I don’t think T20 cricket should be played at the international level. My opinion is to retain domestic T20 competitions and have international cricket –Tests and ODIs – and have a World Cup every couple of years.’

Many believe that T20s are crushing the appeal of Test cricket. The amount of money invested in the T20 leagues around the world has seen an overwhelming amount of support worldwide.

Smith acknowledged the influence of the T20 format but still believes that investment in Test cricket could increase the appeal of the format.

‘There needs to be [more] investment,’ he said. ‘Maybe spend more money marketing Test cricket. So much money is spent in marketing the T20 format. Maybe there can be money marketing the stories and histories in Test cricket.

‘What’s great for the game is someone like [India captain] Virat Kohli who wants to do well in Test cricket and be successful and set a standard for everyone else. As long as people like him consider Test cricket valuable, it’s important for the rest of the world.’

Smith’s 12-year international career consisted of 117 Tests, 197 ODIs and 33 T20Is.

Photo: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images