ICC Considers Two-Tier Structure for Test Cricket, Says Report
The ICC is reportedly discussing a two-tier structure for Test cricket, with a potential implementation date of 2027, according to a report.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has voiced his support for a significant overhaul of Test cricket, advocating for a two-tier structure to revitalize the format. Vaughan's endorsement comes ahead of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) meeting this month, where the issue is expected to be discussed.
Vaughan joins former India coach Ravi Shastri in calling for a shake-up, which would involve introducing relegation and promotion systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of Test cricket. This proposed reform aims to inject new life into the traditional red-ball game, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Vaughan outlined his vision for the future of Test cricket, proposing a revamped format. “I believe it is a four-day product with a set number of overs each day enforced, three matches minimum per series and two divisions of six, including promotion and relegation,” he said. Shastri, on the other hand, highlighted the enduring appeal of Test cricket, citing the success of the Australia-India series as evidence. According to Shastri, the series demonstrated that Test cricket can thrive alongside the growing popularity of T20 franchise cricket.
Ravi Shastri's experience commentating on the Australia-India Test series alongside Michael Vaughan reinforced his belief that top teams need to face each other more frequently to ensure the survival of Test cricket. This sentiment is shared by Vaughan, who has been advocating for a two-tier structure to make Test cricket more competitive and relevant.
According to a report by The Herald on Tuesday, a meeting is scheduled to take place this month between Australia, England, India, and International Cricket Council's (ICC) new chairman Jay Shah to discuss the proposed two-tier structure. The report suggests that any changes to the current system would be implemented after the end of the current Future Tours Programme in 2027. Michael Vaughan expressed his enthusiasm for the potential changes, saying, “I was delighted to read in this masthead the ICC are considering a two-tier structure from 2027 which could see the Ashes staged twice every three years.”
Vaughan has long been an advocate for a more competitive and frequent schedule between top teams, stating, “I have been saying for a long time this is the way to keep Test cricket relevant by ensuring the best play the best as often as possible, and we get fewer mis-matches.” He acknowledged that there are still details to be worked out before any major changes can be implemented in 2027, but remains optimistic, saying, “There is much to iron out before any major changes are made for 2027, but there is time.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been exploring the possibility of introducing a two-tier system for several years, but previous attempts have been unsuccessful. One such proposal, which was discussed in 2016, envisioned a premier league-style competition featuring the top seven teams. However, the plan was ultimately scrapped due to opposition from various cricket boards.
The powerful Indian cricket board, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), played a significant role in leading the backlash against the proposal. Although India would likely benefit from playing more matches against top-tier teams like England and Australia, the BCCI expressed concerns at the time that the proposed system would have a disproportionately negative impact on smaller cricketing nations.
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