All three formats can flourish, according to Sehwag.

The success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has spawned similar T20 competitions around the world, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) sees T20 as a way to innovate and push for the game to be included in the Olympics.

The sheer number of matches on the cricket schedule has prompted some players to prioritize formats, although few are willing to turn away from the lucrative T20 leagues.

« I don’t agree that only the T20 is the way to go, » Sehwag told Reuters.

« Test cricket and one day cricket will stay because the ICC makes sure countries play them so they can host the Test World Championship and the ODI World Cup.

“Test cricket and ODIs are integral to how the game evolves.”

Having played seven seasons in the IPL and witnessed the emergence of franchise leagues, Sehwag said professional cricketers have never had it so good.

« I think now is the best time to play cricket because even if you don’t play for your country and you just play these T20 leagues, you are off the hook financially, » he said. – he adds.

A schedule freeze looms next month when new competitions in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa clash with Australia’s Big Bash League and the Bangladesh Premier League.

Indian company Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured the broadcast and digital rights to the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE and Sehwag is the face of its pre-tournament promotion campaign.

The former fly-half, who has 38 hundred international points to his name, has no doubt the six-team ILT20, funded in part by franchise owners IPL, will be a success.

« The league is managed by professionals, the best players participate in it and the owners of the franchises have the experience of managing sports teams, » he said.

« The biggest advantage is that the league is held in the UAE, which means more people from all continents will be able to watch it because the time zone suits them. »

Australian heavy hitter Chris Lynn, West Indian trio of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard and English duo of Alex Hales and Moeen Ali are among the players who have signed for the ILT20.