Karachi (PTI): Former and present Asian greats on Saturday called on cricket administrators to wisely use the Twenty20 format and make every effort to preserve Test cricket.

Speaking at a seminar organized by Pakistan Cricket Board on the topic "Asian cricket: past, present and future", former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said administrators should realise that Twenty20 cricket was pure entertainment and should be treated as such.

"It's a great way to globalize cricket but care should be taken to avoid over-exposing it at the cost of Test or one-day cricket," Akram stated.

He made it clear that Asia, who has produced some great pioneers like Lala Amarnath and Abdul Hafeez Kardar who laid foundation for the growth of cricket, was now fuelling the growth of cricket and giving it skill, passion and finance.

"That is why Asian cricket in particular has a responsibility to maintain a fine balance between Twenty20 cricket and Test matches."

Declaring that he was not a great fan of Twenty20 cricket, Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga said administrators should exercise care in promoting it.

"Asia cannot sit back content with its new status and wealth. It has a responsibility to ensure that the opportunities that are presented to us today are not squandered," said the outgoing President of the Asian Cricket Council.

Sri Lanka star Kumar Sangakkara in a moving speech said the vibe, energy and skills of Twenty20 had enthralled fans and a new audience, who earlier viewed cricket as a boring sport, were becoming die hard fans.