Test cricket is facing a "very real danger" of dying out, the MCC World Cricket Committee has warned.

The committee, whose two-day meeting at Lord's ended on Wednesday, fears the rise of lucrative Twenty20 competitions like the Indian Premier League is killing the longer form of the game.

"Except for certain icon series, such as the Ashes, Test cricket throughout the world, and in particular the lower-ranked nations, is in very real danger of dying," a committee statement read.

"MCC's research proved that attendances at Test cricket have declined in recent years.

"In addition, there is a growing ambivalence towards the longer format of the game from cricketers in certain nations, with player surveys revealing that an IPL contract was the main career aspiration for many."

The statement added: "The committee is deeply concerned that the proliferation of lucrative domestic Twenty20 leagues, such as the IPL, will lead to the premature retirement of quality international cricketers.

"Those from the lower-ranked Test nations could be particularly susceptible to such a career choice, based on earnings alone."

The Committee advocated the setting up of a World Test Championship to help safeguard the future of the game.

It said: "Work should commence immediately on devising the appropriate format."