Key Takeaways

• That was like a million to one opportunity.
• I never thought I'd be a part of a franchise of the European T20 side in Amsterdam.
• Right now, there's a structure in place for Test Matches and the schedule.

Key Development 1

NewsSports NewsCricket NewsSteve Waugh exclusive: 'Test cricket is pinnacle, but T20 cricket ensures financial stability'TrendingSanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20ISanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20ISanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20ISteve Waugh exclusive: 'Test cricket is pinnacle, but T20 cricket ensures financial stability'Pratyush Raj / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jan 22, 2026, 10:45 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge Former Australian captain Steve Waugh presents the MCC Waterford Crystal Trophy to Steve Smith of Australia during day five of the Fifth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 08, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Legendary Australia cricketer Steve Waugh says Test cricket may be facing increasing competition from the financial lure and packed calendar of T20 leagues, but its place at the top of the sport remains unquestioned among elite players.With franchise-based T20 leagues mushrooming across the globe, a new space is emerging for players who excel exclusively in the shortest format.

That was like a million to one opportunity.

T20 is a game that I have never played.

Key Development 2

I never thought I'd be a part of a franchise of the European T20 side in Amsterdam.

Right now, there's a structure in place for Test Matches and the schedule.

Pratyush has now also contributed to the sports coverage of India Today Group and his last stint was with The Indian Express.

And you ask the top players what they want to play, they'll all say Test Match Cricket," Waugh told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview."But at the end of the day, financially, T20 cricket is really fantastic for players and their families.

Key Development 3

While acknowledging the economic realities that make T20 cricket attractive and sustainable for players, Waugh, a two-time World Cup winner, stressed that Test cricket must continue to be treated as the pinnacle of the game, even as administrators work to balance schedules and build meaningful, high-quality T20 competitions alongside it.Bachchan, Waugh, Maxwell and Smith: Inside Europe’s New T20 LeagueGo Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.

But at the same time, we still want to make sure that Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the sport."After retiring from cricket over two decades ago, Waugh is owning a franchise in the European T20 Premier League.

NOW!"Look, Test Cricket to me is still the ultimate form of the game.

So for me, it's something I never thought I'd be doing.

Key Development 4

And this ticks all the boxes.

And I'm looking forward to the challenge."It's probably a lot easier than playing.

That's a lot easier watching cricket.

It ensures stability and it gives them a regular income and a good income, it's a shorter form of the game."The authorities have got to work that out.

Key Development 5

And it stands for itself.

I like to be stimulated, challenged, and excited by an opportunity.

He began his career with the Business Standard before following his passion as a sports reporter for the Times of India in Chandigarh.

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Key Development 6

Waugh co-owns the Amsterdam Flames franchise with legendary Australian hockey Olympian Jamie Dwyer."I'm learning quickly," Waugh stated when asked about the challenges of being a team owner.PollWhat do you believe is the pinnacle format of cricket?Test CricketT20 CricketOne Day InternationalsAll formats are equally important"It's a different challenge.

Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.About the AuthorPratyush RajPratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializing in all things cricket, both on and off the field.

I mean, you become an expert when you watch.

I'm sure it is expected to because the players want to play," he added."There's work to be done.

Key Development 7

I mean, the schedule is always tricky.

It's going to be competitive, but a fantastic standard.

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There's (T20 leagues) so many competitions coming on board.

Key Development 8

We want this to be a really good competition that people want to watch.

So for me, it's a learning experience being involved in it as well," he added.Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals.

So I really hope that Test Match Cricket is expected to survive and can survive.

But as a player, it's not quite that easy.

Key Development 9

You always get things right.

You want it to be meaningful and successful.

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