On Tuesday, former England captain Kevin Pietersen gave various solutions to preserve the longest format of the game like day-night Tests, equal pay, marketing and innovation and cheaper tickets. Speaking at the 6th MAK Pataudi Memorial Lecture, Kevin also became the first overseas cricketer to deliver the lecture, insisted on making the longest format of the game as the pinnacle of cricket but felt that every format must be respected.

Expressing his opinion, Pietersen said, “Having played every form of cricket in every corner of the cricketing globe, I remain 100 percent convinced that the five-day Test remains the supreme form of the game. 20-20 provides the thrill, the noise, the speed and no little genius. It has taken fielding to a new level and has redefined batting.”

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However, with the Test cricket witnessing a drop in popularity, worrying cricketing boards and Test fans, the right-hander came up with some ideas to keep the format breathing. Talking about the same, Pietersen said, “Let’s make Test cricket a spectacle. Garnish it with color and fireworks. Fill the grounds. Play in the evenings. Give the umpires microphones to broadcast to the spectators. Allow sledging — as long as it remains the right side of the line. Communicate better with the fans.”

Not only about the technicalities, Pietersen also brought out the financial aspect of the game as well, he said, “Let’s throw equal marketing clout behind the Test game before we succumb to the lazy assumption that 20-20 rules, Push the profile of the world test championship. Develop marketing opportunities. Offer cheaper seats in the ground to provide a better spectacle for TV viewers.”

Kevin also felt that the cricketers need to be paid handsomely in the longest format of the game as compared to the 20-20 cricket. He even wished Afghanistan cricket team luck as they are all set to debut in the longest format of the game against India on June 14.

Wishing the team, Pietersen said, “The squad, the management, and all those who helped you get here. You guys are sitting on the very edge of history. The doom-mongers say this is a dying form of the game, but you have it within your grasp to keep it alive. You are representing a population of 36 million people. The headline writers around the globe are waiting! You are changing the perception of your country that has been in the news for the wrong reasons for far too long.”