Like everyone else, Ravichandran Ashwin is also hoping for COVID-19 pandemic to soon be over and cricket to resume around the world. But when the deadly outbreak leaves, the premier India off-spinner doesn't want to see a calendar cramped by more short-format leagues at the expense of international cricket. 

In order to make up for the losses suffered amid the game's global suspension, it is feared that administrators will be pushing for more limited-overs cricket, T20 leagues in different slots available in the FTP.

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"I really do hope that this (pandemic) does not transpire into something where you have more leagues and not much of international cricket because the borders are closed," said Ashwin on an ESPNcricinfo videocast, hosted by former India batsman-turned-commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar. 

Since originating in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year, the COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented health crisis across the world, infecting more than 30 lakh people, claiming over 2 lakh lives. 

"I think we are still some distance away (from cricket's resumption)," said Ashwin. "In terms of the health of world cricket, I think it is going to take longer than what people might assume."

"So, that's an imminent possibility, but I don't know what the further future has in store."

Ashwin, meanwhile, remains wary of his fitness issues, which plagued him during the 2018-19 season on tours to England and Australia. The 33-year-old, however, believes he can still enjoy another "purple patch" in his career if that body holds up. 

"If my body is in great space, I think Test cricket I (will) just have another streak of the great purple patch I am looking at," he said. 

"I believe I am a hardened professional in T20 cricket, and good at what I do. Wherever I play I will be able to deliver, with the experience that I have got and the courage that I have."

(Inputs from PTI)