Too much of cricket is creating spectators fatigue: Gilchrist

Excessive cricket is not only a concern for players' burnout but is also creating spectators' fatigue, warned former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist.

He said the cricket administrators need to strike a right balance to keep the players as well as fans involved with the game.

"The schedule has been very very compact and hectic, especially in the last 6 weeks. Potentially, too much cricket is being played by all countries. It is also creating spectators' fatigue. The spectators are finding it tough to keep up with all variations of the game," Gilchrist said.

"It is something they (administrators) need to monitor and address. A right balance should be maintained. It is a difficult juggling act for the administrators. (They) Make sure players and people are wanting these game rather than pushing them," he said.

He also rated India-Australia rivalry at par with the Ashes or Indo-Pak contest but feels if it is organised on a frequent basis, it will lose its' charm.

"India-Australia cricketing rivalry is a wonderful thing for cricket. It catches the imagination of the entire world and is growing. The Ashes has got a lot of history just like India-Pakistan series.

"But as far as how often they should play, it needs a delicate balacing. It (the series) should be held in such a manner that it doesn't go beyond the saturation point," Gilchrist, who is the brand ambassador of University of Wollongong, said on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Gilchrist feels cash-rich tournaments like the IPL or Champions League have added to a cricketers' burden but said it is up to the individual player to set his priority. 

He cited Ricky Ponting as a classic example in this regard and said the Australian skipper is a smart customer when it comes to managing his career.

"There should be clever management not just from the selectors or coaching staff but from the player himself. They (players) have the option of not participating in tournaments like the IPL but I know it would be tough for them because of the lucrative dollar on offer. 

"Ricky Ponting is a wonderful example of how to manage one's workload," said the inspirational Deccan Chargers' skipper, who guided the Hyderabad team to the second Indian Premier League title in South Africa earlier this year. 

Gilchrist also brushed aside fears that Test cricket is in danger of extinction, instead he feels ODIs and Twenty20s will only help in enhancing the traditional version of the game.