Haynes - File

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

West Indies batting legend Desmond Haynes is worried about the impact of the lucrative Indian Twenty20 leagues on mainstream cricket.

Speaking at the Ministry of Sport Symposium on rebuilding West Indies cricket on Wednesday here, the former opening batsman suggested that the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Cricket League could cripple Test cricket.

"I am worried about the Indian leagues right now. I am worried that it may destroy the game that has given me so much," Haynes said.

"This is something that the International Cricket Council (ICC) needs to address very quickly. Test cricket is already dying and if measures are not taken to revive it, then it would be something of the past."

The two leagues have lured the world's top players because of large financial rewards on offer.

CONCERNS

There were recent concerns over the availability of West Indian trio Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul for the upcoming Test series against Australia but they are expected to suit up in the maroon colours.

The top regional batsmen have all registered to play in the IPL which clashes with the Australian tour of the Caribbean.

Haynes, whose 7,487 runs in 116 Tests and 8,648 runs in 238 one-day internationals has made him one of the most outstanding international openers ever, said the West Indies Cricket Board needed to look closely at ticket costs for home series.

These, he suggested, could prove to be a hurdle in attempting to lift Test cricket.

"Test cricket can be revived but the WICB has to do their part in the Caribbean. I think that no one must ask fans in Guyana to play US$30 to look at a Test match. This is just not right," the 52-year-old said.

"I think that when the board is negotiating sponsorship contracts for the home series, they must take into con-sideration the fees that fans have to pay and get some sponsorship to subsidise the cost of the tickets."