ICC may revamp FTP to protect Test cricket

The International Cricket Council on Wednesday said it will consider amendments in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) so that Test cricket remains the top form of the game.

''We at the ICC have been looking at how we can revamp the Future Tours Programme to give Test cricket more context. Initial discussions at ICC Board level have been very encouraging with everyone agreed in principle to the idea,'' ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

Lorgat further added that Test cricket will remain as strong as ever in future but the governing body should also make sure that in the era of Twenty20, Test cricket also remains popular.

''I know that Tests in England and some other places are nearly always well supported. It is a challenge for all of us who love the game and who love Test cricket in particular to ensure Tests all over the world are watched by high numbers of spectators,'' he said.

Lorgat was of the view that all the three formats - Test, ODI and T20 - should coexist at the international level.

''We all have a responsibility to make sure Test cricket remains strong and that all three formats of the game can successfully coexist at international level,'' he said.