By Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has sparked debate across the cricketing world after making a candid observation about the future of the sport’s longest and most traditional format. Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes series, Greenberg said it was time to acknowledge a reality that many in the cricket community have been reluctant to admit: not every cricketer aspires to play Test cricket.
“I don’t think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play Test cricket, and that might be OK,” Greenberg said.
The comment challenges the long-held belief that donning the whites in a Test match is the pinnacle of a player’s career. Instead, Greenberg suggested that the game’s administrators need to be realistic about where Test cricket fits within the modern, commercially driven sporting landscape.
Scarcity, Not Saturation
One of Greenberg’s strongest points was the idea that scarcity should be embraced, not feared.
“Scarcity in Test cricket is our friend, not our foe,” he explained.
In his view, Test cricket’s value lies in its exclusivity. If the format is played too often or in low-profile contests, its prestige risks being diluted. Instead, fewer but higher-quality series — particularly those steeped in history and rivalry — can help maintain its status.
The Financial Reality Check
Greenberg also addressed the uncomfortable financial truth: hosting and playing Test matches is expensive, and for smaller cricketing nations, it can be a financial burden.
“We’re literally trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket,” he warned.
From stadium operations and broadcasting logistics to player wages and travel, the costs are substantial. Wealthier boards like Australia, England, and India can absorb them, but others cannot, leading to the possibility that mandatory participation could cripple less-resourced cricketing nations.
Focusing on High-Profile Fixtures
When asked which series best illustrates his point, Greenberg immediately cited the Ashes between Australia and England.
“We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play Test cricket where it means something, and has jeopardy… that’s why the Ashes will be as enormous and as profitable as it is — because it means something.”
By concentrating on marquee events, cricket can ensure that Test matches retain meaning and financial viability. The idea is not to diminish Test cricket, but to protect its quality and competitive edge.
Exploring a Two-Tier System
Greenberg acknowledged discussions about introducing a two-tier Test cricket structure. This could group nations based on competitive level and financial capacity, allowing top-tier teams to maintain a busy Test schedule while others participate in a way that’s more sustainable. While the concept is still in early debate, it reflects a growing awareness that a one-size-fits-all approach may no longer work.
Reviving Underused Venues
Interestingly, Greenberg floated the idea of reviving Test cricket in non-traditional Australian locations such as Queensland’s northern cities or Darwin. These areas, he argued, might offer favorable conditions and new audiences — a way to keep the format fresh and accessible without oversaturating traditional metropolitan markets.
The Role of Shorter Formats
While defending Test cricket’s importance, Greenberg was pragmatic about the role of limited-overs cricket and franchise leagues. The rise of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia has provided both entertainment and significant revenue. Greenberg admitted that Cricket Australia is open to exploring private investment in BBL teams, though he emphasized that any changes must benefit all stakeholders.
“It would be completely naïve not to look at it,” he said, noting that private ownership models in other sports have shown both opportunities and pitfalls.
Balancing Tradition and Change
Greenberg’s comments highlight a delicate balancing act for cricket administrators. Test cricket is the sport’s heritage jewel — a five-day contest of skill, patience, and endurance — but it exists in a world where attention spans are shorter, and commercial pressures are greater. The challenge is to preserve its legacy without forcing it into situations that undermine its quality or jeopardize the financial stability of the sport globally.
For some purists, his remarks may feel like a retreat from tradition. For others, they represent a realistic and necessary strategy to keep Test cricket alive and meaningful in the decades to come.
