Richards warns of another Packer scenario

Barry Richards, the former South African Test batsman, has warned that international cricket is becoming far too one-sided, and that the best players may simply choose to boycott matches.

"Test status should carry the responsibility of being competitive," said Richards, during a speech in Lahore, at a seminar on the development of cricket. "If it doesn't there is every chance that another Kerry Packer scenario could evolve."

It was 27 years ago this week that Packer's World Series Cricket revolutionised the game, with many of the top players from Australia and West Indies, and several from other countries, signing up for a series of "Super Tests", played in coloured clothing under floodlights, and with a white ball to boot. The incentive then was cash, as most players were paid considerably less than their market value. These days, however, boredom might be a contributing factor.

"Continually serving up one-sided international games does no good for the credibility of the game," warned Richards. "Television, sponsors and spectators want top games, and I believe the ICC must be vigilant in ensuring that Test cricket remains the best it can be." The ICC is being anything but vigilant at the moment, however. Yesterday, Zimbabwe's hopelessly weakened side was thrashed by an innings and 240 runs by Sri Lanka at Harare, after losing the one-day series 5-0, and yet the idea of suspending them from Test cricket apparently will not even be countenanced.

Richards also added that the question of players' payments and rights had not been adequately addressed, and referred to the stand-off prior to the 2003 World Cup, when India's players objected to a contract that banned them from endorsing products that conflicted with the ICC's official sponsors of the events.