ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and his team are banking on the upcoming World Test Championship to revive the popularity of beautiful old Test match cricket. 

Manohar believes that red-ball format is "dying" in modern times and the nine-team league competition slated to begin next year can help it survive. 

"We are trying to see whether Test championship can generate interest. Because Test cricket is actually dying to be honest," he was quoted saying by ESPNcricinfo on Thursday, February 7.

"So to improve the situation, we are trying ways and means. The (ICC) board directors came to a conclusion that if we start a Test championship, it would keep Test cricket alive and generate more interest in the game."

"If you look at the TRPs of the broadcasters, T20 has the maximum TRP. It is because of being the shorter version of the game. Nowadays, people don't have five days time to watch a Test match."

Manohar also talked about the logistical problems that ICC is facing in their quest to include cricket in the Olympics from 2028. 

"We are trying to take it to Olympics but there are certain hurdles. The bigger issue is the Olympics is held over 15 days. How do you finish a world event of cricket in fifteen days?" he questioned. 

"For that you need cricket stadiums also. Olympics are not held only in cricket-playing countries. They are played elsewhere, so to finish the tournament you will need a minimum of four stadiums."