Two-Tier Test Cricket: Sounds Good on Paper, Tough to Make Work
Two-Tier Test Cricket: Sounds Good on Paper, Tough to Make Work
The International Cricket Council has been contemplating a two-tier system for Test cricket. If the ICC Board approves this 2 tier Test system, then the 12 Test-playing nations will be divided into two divisions.
The idea of a two-tier Test Championship has caused a lot of talk in cricket, but it might not happen anytime soon. This plan would divide the 12 Test-playing countries into two groups of six teams, with teams moving up or down after each cycle. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has clearly disagreed with the plan, and they aren’t the only ones who have doubts about it.
One big worry for many cricket boards is the chance of not getting to play against India, England, or Australia the "Big Three" that draw the most interest and money in Test cricket. Other than the Ashes series, only matches with India are usually profitable for most countries. Because of this, no board wants to take the risk of missing out on games with these top teams.
If the plan goes ahead, the top division would include India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, based on current rankings. The second division would feature Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. The idea is to revive interest in Test cricket beyond the Big Three, but some believe that can only happen if these top teams play more often against others—not just among themselves.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has said that any major change must include a better financial model. Their CEO, Chris Dehring, stated that the current system doesn’t work well and needs to be fixed before any new structure is introduced. The ECB shares similar concerns, especially about what happens if England ends up in Division Two. ECB chair Richard Thomson said it wouldn’t make sense for England to miss out on playing India or Australia due to relegation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also voiced its opposition, saying the Test schedule is already locked for the next two years, making it too early to discuss such changes. There are also practical issues like if a team such as Ireland qualifies for the top division midway through the cycle, their schedule would clash with teams they weren’t originally set to play.
The BCCI has not made any public statement yet, but most boards reportedly want to keep playing India. Former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose supports the two-tier idea and seems to have Cricket Australia’s backing.
The ICC has formed a working group to explore the proposal further. The panel includes ICC Chair Jay Shah, Roger Twose, ECB CEO Richard Gould, and ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta. They’re expected to present their recommendations by the end of the year. But whether the plan will get enough support to move forward is still uncertain.