'Retirements coming thick and fast': Former India opener feels Test cricket struggling for existence

NEW DELHI: As South African Heinrich Klaasen became the latest player to retire from Test cricket, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that the traditional format is going through an existential crisis.
The 32-year-old Klaasen, who had played only four Tests, on Monday announced his retirement from the format.
Klaasen was ignored by the selectors for the recently concluded India series as head coach Shukri Conrad went ahead with Kyle Verreynne.
After Klaasen's retirement, Chopra pointed out players retiring from the format becoming a trend and highlighted that the format is struggling for existence.
"It has become somewhat of a trend now. Test retirements are coming thick and fast nowadays. Test cricket, I feel is struggling for existence. It is about Test cricket's survival at the moment. What we say is -- existential crisis.
"Players are rejecting central contracts. It keeps players tied. They want to be 'free birds'. Some players retire all together. If a player is 32 and plays till 37, he wants to maximize. The player is also not wrong from his point of view. Let's be fair. Who are we to talk about ethics or morally judge them? Because we do not bring food to their table. They have to look after their families. They take a call which is right for them. We do not feel right about it. But it's ok. I totally get it," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Amid the reducing interest in Test cricket, former England batter Mark Butcher and former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez recently suggested universal standard of money for Test match appearances for players and Chopra backed the suggestion saying the salaries should be standardized as it will help the format.
"When you take a poll (over popularity), Test format gets the most votes followed by ODIs and T20Is get the least votes but when you see ratings, broadcasters say it is completely opposite. Most fans watch T20s then ODIs and Test matches are watched the least.
"Only two teams in the world can afford to play Test cricket, who actually earn money from Test cricket -- England and Australia -- courtesy the Ashes. Third is India, who does not earn from Test cricket but can subsidize because the BCCI has huge money behind them. What will the rest do? Either they will leave Test cricket or will curtail their Test series. What Butcher and Hafeez suggested, it is a good option. Test salaries should be standardized," said Chopra.