Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Arjuna Ranatunga Warns Commercial Cricket Threatens Tests and ODIs
Arjuna Ranatunga is a former captain of Sri Lanka’s cricket team.
He said Sir Garfield Sobers helped him become a better player and believe in himself.
Ranatunga thinks cricket is focusing too much on short T20 games because they make a lot of money.
He worries that Test matches and one-day games could become less important.
He wants cricket leaders to protect games played for national teams.
He also said young players should learn good technique and not chase money too quickly.
Ranatunga gave this advice to 15-year-old Indian player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
He believes Sooryavanshi needs time to grow and should not be overwhelmed by managers, sponsors or publicity.
Ranatunga said the young player should learn from India’s great cricketers and decide whether he wants to become a complete cricketer.
Arjuna Ranatunga credited Sir Garfield Sobers with helping launch his international career and build his confidence.
The former Sri Lanka captain said commercial interests and franchise leagues are weakening Test and 50-over cricket.
Ranatunga urged the International Cricket Council to act quickly to protect longer formats and bilateral Test series.
He argued that Asian teams should preserve home advantage while preparing for overseas conditions through first-class cricket.
Ranatunga advised India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to avoid pressure, develop his technique and be protected from excessive commercial promotion.
- Who
- Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga discussed Sir Garfield Sobers, modern cricket and India’s young player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- Ranatunga warned that commercialisation and franchise cricket could weaken Test and one-day cricket, and offered guidance for Sooryavanshi.
- When
- The comments were made in an exclusive Firstpost interview; no interview date was specified.
- Where
- The interview's location was not specified; it concerned international cricket, including Sri Lanka and India.
- Why
- Ranatunga believes cricket authorities are prioritising quick earnings and entertainment over national-team cricket, player development and longer formats.
Protect Traditional Cricket
Prioritize Commercial Formats
The future of cricket
Protect Traditional Cricket
Ranatunga argues that Test and 50-over cricket require protection because they develop technique, focus and commitment to national teams.
Prioritize Commercial Formats
Ranatunga says many current players prefer T20 cricket and franchise leagues because they offer greater entertainment and earning opportunities.
Role of cricket authorities
Protect Traditional Cricket
Ranatunga believes the International Cricket Council and Asian Cricket Council should change governance and act quickly to preserve longer formats.
Prioritize Commercial Formats
He says cricket administrators appear more focused on generating quick revenue, though the interview does not include a direct response from those organisations.
Developing young players
Protect Traditional Cricket
Ranatunga says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be protected from pressure, build his technique and learn from experienced Indian players.
Prioritize Commercial Formats
The commercial environment surrounding young players can encourage early promotion through sponsors, managers and short-format cricket, which Ranatunga fears could harm their development.
- Interviewee
- Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sri Lanka captain and former chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket
- Key mentor
- Sir Garfield Sobers selected Ranatunga for Sri Lanka's squad despite him not initially being among the first 35 players.
- International debut
- Ranatunga made his Test debut against England in Sri Lanka's first Test, in February 1982.
- Main concern
- Ranatunga said T20 cricket and franchise leagues are drawing attention away from Test and 50-over cricket.
- Suggested reform
- He called for stronger action by the International Cricket Council and more substantial bilateral Test series.
- Young player discussed
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is described as a 15-year-old who should be allowed to develop without excessive pressure.
- Technical advice
- Ranatunga said Sooryavanshi will need to improve his technique to succeed in longer-format cricket.