Hyderabad, Apr 13 : The advent of Twenty20 format is not going to relegate Test cricket to backstage, Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has said.

Symonds, who represents Deccan Chargers in the Indian premier league (IPL), told reporters in Hyderabad that the exciting new format would not undermine Test cricket. "I don't think Test cricket will take a back seat (because of the Twenty-20 format of the game). But it will change the way one-day cricket is played. I think one-day cricket will be getting faster," Symonds said. Meanwhile, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting had a workout session with his IPL team of Kolkata at Eden Garden. Ponting said that the IPL presented a good opportunity for young Indian players to rub shoulders with the senior pros of cricket from around the world.

"It is also great opportunity for the young Indian players as well to get chance to play with some pretty experienced international players," said Ponting.

The Mohali team of IPL began sale of the tickets on Saturday for the upcoming matches.

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, the owner of the Mohali team was present at the ticket sale counter, selling tickets to the enthusiasts.

Member of the Mohali team and Aussie speedster Brett Lee said that the IPL would help players to understand different cultures.

"The thing I am excited about is the fact that the players of different cultures coming together and playing in one side. I think it's great for world cricket. It's really going to build bond between different nations," said Brettee.

The IPL is a new concept unveiled by BCCI for Twenty20 cricket to be played along the lines of soccer's English Premier League and the US' Nationalasketball Association.

The championship would feature eight franchise teams of the IPL -- Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mohali and Mumbai to vie for the cash rich trophy.

During the IPL Twenty20 matches, 59 matches will be played in a span of 44 days starting April 18.

ANI