England could host tests between Asian countries in a bid to capitalize on immigrant populations and boost dwindling crowds for the five-day game.The England and Wales Cricket Board believes Pakistan could attract a bigger attendance at grounds like Headingley, in the heart of Yorkshire's large population of south Asian origin, than at home.
ECB chairman Giles Clarke's proposal comes amid security concerns in Pakistan. Leading teams indicated they wouldn't attend the Champions Trophy slated for last month, forcing the biennial 50-over event to be postponed.
"It might be said that Pakistan might get a better crowd in Leeds than in Karachi," Clarke told The Wisden Cricketer magazine. "It's something we are considering, how we play these types of games and where we can play them.
"I like the idea of providing the opportunity with our fabulous grounds and our huge ethnic minority populations, who are keen to see their own heroes. And it may be in the interests of cricket; that's the most important thing for me."With the Twenty20 format emerging as a more lucrative form of the game, Clarke is also keen to protect test cricket's status.
"I doubt very much whether we will play fewer than five tests against Australia and we have negotiated 'icon series' status with South Africa and will play five tests there on our next tour," Clarke said. "There is a strong awareness within the ICC of how important test cricket is and of the importance of looking after it. There is only so much I can do."
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