NEWS
Follow UsThe ICC is in keen talks with the big three cricketing boards—BCCI, CA, and ECB—to create a two-tier Test structure that would allow them to play each other more and make the three nations more profitable.
According to The Age, ICC’s Jay Shah, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and England Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson are set to meet later this month, with the two-tier Test structure on their agenda. This decision has intensified on the back of a stellar five-match Test series between India and Australia, which broke all viewing records.
It is an idea that has been floating around for quite a while, with former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri a firm believer. Shastri gave his vote of confidence for the two-tier structure a long time ago, stating that it would make Test cricket more competitive.
“I’ve been a firm believer in that if you want Test cricket to survive and be alive and thriving, I think that’s the way to go,” Shastri said on SEN during the SCG Test. “The top teams play against each other more often, so there is a contest; you want contests.”
If the two-tier structure goes through, the big three can play each other twice every three years instead of four. However, it is yet to be ascertained what will happen to the teams in the second division as the question of sustainability versus getting cricket to more countries will heat up.
Barring the big three, the other countries have struggled big time to make money off Test cricket. So, this move will be a big blow to their aspirations to keep float with the economics.
