A possible reduction to just five or six test-playing nations, according to a former South African captain

A former captain of South Africa, Graeme Smith, has speculated that in the not-too-distant future, there may only be five or six countries that continue to play Test cricket.

A former captain of South Africa, Graeme Smith, has speculated that in the not-too-distant future, there may only be five or six countries that continue to play Test cricket. He stated that at this time, the “major cricketing nations” are the ones who are contributing to the longest and oldest version of the game, and that we won’t see too many competitive teams because of this. His remarks were made in the context of the brisk expansion of franchise-based Twenty20 leagues around the world. Both South Africa and the UAE have revealed plans to launch whole new Twenty20 competitions beginning in 2019.

According to a report from the news agency PTI, Smith was cited as saying on Sky Sports that “with Test cricket, it’s the iconic nations or the great cricketing nations that are contributing to Test cricket at the present time.”

“However, as long as we have competitive teams, you won’t have 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 competitive teams of your own. There may be as few as five or six countries left that continue to compete in test cricket at this level “he remarked.

As he came to a conclusion, he stated that “the expectations on nations like New Zealand, West Indies, and South Africa to stay financially sustainable to keep up with England, India, and the international game to stay competitive is hugely crucial.”

Smith made his remarks on the third day of the first test match between South Africa and England, which was being played at Lord’s Stadium. In the first match of the three-match competition, South Africa defeated England by an innings and 12 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Graeme Smith is now serving as the commissioner of the new Twenty20 league that is being run by Cricket South Africa. This league has already had five franchises purchased by owners of teams in the Indian Premier League.