Twenty20 riches turning heads

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A release from the Professional Cricketers' Association highlighted the stark warning that Twenty20 money is increasingly doing the talking in the sport.

"The current imbalance between remuneration for Twenty20 cricket and the longer forms of the game does present a very real threat to the existing fabric of the game," the report states.

Within the last nine months, two rival cash-rich leagues have been set up in India, Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford has done a deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board to stage £10million, winner-takes-all matches each autumn and the rules and regulations for the inaugural Champions League tournament are being drawn up.

The report continues: "The financial rewards offered by the Indian leagues will entice players to retire early from county and international cricket - and senior players at that. The impact on the strength of our international sides would be huge.

"This would have the potential to significantly devalue our TV rights as well as reducing the attraction of English cricket to the fans."

However, the results of a poll given to 334 players on the English domestic scene also showed Test cricket is the most revered form of the game.

A whopping 93% believe it is important Test cricket retains its status on the international scene.

Three-quarters of players would, in fact, like to see a Test Championship incorporated into the five-year future tours programme cycle.

The vast majority of players also believe the Pro40 competition should be scrapped with a huge 90% believing it is the least important of the domestic competitions.