T20 leagues in India eroding Test cricket's future: Waugh

Melbourne, Feb 28 (UNI) Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has admitted that the Twenty20 leagues (IPL and ICL) in India are threatening the future of Test cricket.

He claimed that India is a possible threat to Australia's dominance in world cricket with South Africa closely following the world champions.

''If the rebel league continues you are going to lose a lot of players from Test cricket and probably from county cricket as well because they are going to get offers and that is going to affect English cricket.

''So the bigger picture is there and is a danger if they don't regulate it and make sure Test cricket is the essence of the game. Twenty20 is nice but it can't take over,'' he said.

The 42-year-old batsman also admitted that the BCCI has grown in power and should therefore understand their responsibility to preserve the traditions of cricket.

''They have got power because they have got money and they have got influence and they can determine what is being played where and against who.

''Whoever is running Indian cricket has a big responsibility to make sure the traditions of the game are kept as well,'' he added.

He later claimed that the current Indian team is improving fast and with South Africa around, Australia reign is in serious danger.

''India are improving, they are the main danger to Australia going forward.

''South Africa have got match-winning bowlers now so hopefully they are going to improve,'' he claimed.

UNI XC RAR MP PM1338