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A major shake-up in the Test cricket system is being considered, with reports indicating that a two-tier structure may soon be introduced.
According to Fox Sports, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair Jay Shah is set to meet with Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird and England Cricket Board Chair Richard Thompson later this month to discuss the proposal.
The suggested structure, which could be implemented after the current Future Tours Program concludes in 2027, would divide Test-playing nations into two divisions. This would allow the “big three” – Australia, England, and India – to face each other more often, potentially twice every three years, compared to the current arrangement of once every four years.
The move is driven by the financial success of marquee series like the Ashes and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which generate significant revenue through increased attendance and lucrative broadcast deals. However, while this would benefit the top teams, it has raised concerns about the impact on lower-ranked nations.
Under the proposed system, countries such as South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan would join Australia, England, and India in the top division. Meanwhile, nations like the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe would be relegated to the second tier. Critics argue that this could further marginalize these nations and limit their development opportunities.
The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Former England captain Michael Vaughan supports the idea, arguing that it would ensure the best teams play each other more regularly and reduce mismatches. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri has also endorsed the plan, emphasizing the need for high-profile contests to safeguard the future of Test cricket.
However, there are concerns about the potential oversaturation of high-profile series. Scyld Berry from The Telegraph warned that too many Ashes series could harm the longevity of the format. Former Australian wicketkeeper Darren Berry expressed skepticism about the criteria for dividing the teams and questioned whether commercial interests might outweigh the needs of the game.
The financial sustainability of Test cricket for smaller, less wealthy nations has been a major point of contention. Outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay previously suggested that countries like Ireland and Zimbabwe may need to focus more on grassroots development and shorter formats, as Test cricket might not be viable for them in the long term.
This isn’t the first time a two-tier system has been proposed. A similar idea was rejected in 2016 after opposition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which cited concerns about the negative impact on smaller cricketing nations. However, with Jay Shah now leading the ICC, the proposal seems to have gained renewed support. The upcoming meeting will be crucial in shaping the future of Test cricket.
