'The game is at a tipping point' - Atherton fears for International cricket amid the emergence of franchise leagues

There is an intense debate going on in the cricket fraternity regarding the sustainability of international cricket amidst the growing popularity of the T20 leagues. There are questions over the future of the 50-over format as well after England’s Test captain Ben Stokes announced his sudden retirement from ODIs.

Time and again, former English players have blamed the Indian Premier League for shifting the focus from the international games. Former England skipper Michael Atherton is the latest to join the bandwagon. 

Also Read: Salman Butt contradicts Wasim Akram and Ravi Ashwin, backs ODIs amid rising concerns

Atherton blames IPL for sidelining international fixtures

Atherton believes that the game is at a tipping point ever since the commencement of the Indian T20 league. Following the success of IPL, many countries have come up with their own T20 tournaments. 

"I think the game is at a tipping point, which has long been coming probably since the advent of the IPL,” the former skipper in a conversation with Sky Sports. 

To highlight the power of franchise cricket, Atherton highlighted the cancellation of the ODI series between South Africa and Australia. The Proteas were scheduled a play the three-match series in January. However, Cricket South Africa suspended the tour to give importance to their new T20 league.

The former England skipper unhappy with the power of franchise cricket 

CSA wants to avoid the clash of international fixtures with the domestic league to ensure that all the national stars are available for selection. The decision has also hampered South Africa’s qualification chances for the World Cup next year.

"You could argue the tipping point has come now with South Africa recently taking the decision to abandon three ODIs In Australia next year as they want their best players available for their franchise tournament.

“They are prepared to slightly imperil their participation in the next World Cup to do that. That tells you all you need to know about where the balance of power is between international and franchise cricket,” the 54-year-old mentioned.