'Twenty20's popularity will hit Tests hard'

KARACHI: With the Indian Premier League taking Twenty20 cricket's popularity to dizzying heights, Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi foresees a bleak future for Tests as the five-day format would struggle to find favour among fans seeking instant entertainment.

Afridi, who returned home after a lackluster outing with the Hyderabad Deccan Chargers in the IPL, said the league had been a grand success and the support and interest of the people had left him amazed.

"Even though our team performed badly but still in our final game there was a big crowd out to support us and this shows the interest the IPL has created," he said.

"I can't say if 50-overs cricket would be affected by the popularity of twenty20 but certainly Test matches would be hit hard as people are more interested in seeing instant and exciting cricket," he added.

The flamboyant all-rounder, who came a cropper with the willow in the IPL, admitted that he has been ignoring his batting for bowling.

"I know I disappointed and let down my fans with my batting failures. But now I am going to pay attention to my batting once again and I am confident I can get back into form soon.

"I am l looking forward to playing in the tri-series in Bangladesh against India it will be a good opportunity to make amends," he stated.

Afridi rubbished suggestions that he could not handle the pressure of playing in front of Indian crowds.

"I don't think this is true because we are all used to playing in India. As far as I am concerned I just think the expectations of the people got to me.

"And this is the worst patch I have been going through I was even hitting the full tosses to the fielders and that is a sure sign that a player is totally out of form," he explained.

The senior player was not happy with the treatment meted out to Pakistan's in-form teammate Misbah-ul-Haq by the Bangalore Royal Challengers led by Rahul Dravid.

"It was surprising that they didn't pick him initially because he went there as one of the best players of twenty20 cricket with an hefty average of over 50 which is far better than all the other players in the Bangalore side including Dravid," he said.

"They should have played him in all the matches as he would have gained confidence quickly and been aware of his role and won them more matches. The irregular chances he got even then he did his best and won them a  match or two with his batting. They made a huge mistake," he added.