Atherton's words came after Ben Stokes announced retirement from ODIs citing unsustainable workload.
And Michael Atherton blames this on the rise of the T20 franchise leagues which he feels are threatening international cricket. Atherton cited the example of South Africa pulling out of their ODI series against Australia in order to ensure their top players appear in their new T20 league in January next year.
The former England captain also took a jibe at the Indian Premier League, citing it as the start of everything.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Atherton said: "I think the game is at a tipping point, which has long been coming probably since the advent of the IPL. You could argue the tipping point has come now with South Africa recently taking the decision to abandon three ODIs In Australia next year as they want their best players available for their franchise tournament.
They are prepared to slightly imperil their participation in the next World Cup to do that. That tells you all you need to know about where the balance of power is between international and franchise cricket. What will give is bilateral international cricket."