Australia, England, and India, along with the new ICC chairman Jay Shah, are discussing the idea of splitting Test cricket into two divisions. The goal is for the top three teams to play each other more often in exciting series, like the recent Border-Gavaskar series between Australia and India.
Key Figures Involved in Talks
| Board | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| Cricket Australia | Mike Baird |
| England Cricket Board | Richard Thompson |
| Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) | Jay Shah |
A Two-Tier Structure for Test Cricket
The main aim of these talks is to introduce a two-tier system for Test cricket. This would divide the teams into two groups: one top division with the best teams, and a second division with other teams.
Proposed Test Cricket Divisions
| Top Division | Second Division |
|---|---|
| Australia | West Indies |
| England | Bangladesh |
| India | Ireland |
| South Africa | Afghanistan |
| New Zealand | Zimbabwe |
| Sri Lanka | |
| Pakistan |
Playing More Matches Between the Best Teams
The idea behind this is that top teams like Australia, England, and India should play against each other more frequently. This will create better contests, making the matches more exciting and increasing the popularity of Test cricket.
Financial Benefits of More Matches
If Australia, England, and India have more frequent matches, it will bring financial benefits. These countries would have more flexibility in their match schedules, leading to fewer financial losses.
Financial Impact of Increased Matches
| Country | Current Match Cycle | Proposed Match Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Every 4 years | Every 3 years |
| England | Every 4 years | Every 3 years |
| India | Every 4 years | Every 3 years |
Smaller Countries’ Concerns
The BCCI has always defended smaller countries. They argue that if Test cricket is divided into two divisions, smaller countries might lose out on revenue and the chance to play against top teams. This is why they are against the two-tier system.
Countries Concerned About the Two-Tier System
| Country | Reason for Concern |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Loss of revenue |
| Bangladesh | Fewer opportunities to play against top teams |
| Zimbabwe | Limited exposure to the best teams |
The Growth of Twenty20 Leagues
Twenty20 leagues like the IPL have become very popular. Many cricket league owners, such as those from the IPL, think that focusing on franchise cricket is more profitable than spending resources on Test matches. This shift is affecting the cricket calendar, as players have more opportunities in leagues than in traditional Test cricket.
The Two-Tier Idea A Past Proposal
The idea of a two-tier system was first proposed in 2016, but it was postponed because smaller cricket nations protested. These nations felt they would lose out on the chance to play the best teams and, therefore, miss out on revenue. At the time, BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, and Zimbabwe Cricket opposed the proposal.
Growing Gap Between Top and Lower Teams
As more time passes, the gap between top teams like Australia, India, and England and smaller teams like Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is becoming wider. Broadcasters have also pointed out that the big series are attracting much more attention, both in terms of viewership and attendance, compared to other matches. This is why the big boards (Australia, India, and England) are more inclined towards the two-tier system.
TV Viewership for Big Series
| Series | Viewership |
|---|---|
| Australia vs India | Highest-ever for a Test series |
| Australia vs England | Fourth-best attended series in Australia |
The Future of the World Test Championship
If the two-tier system goes ahead, the current World Test Championship (WTC) would only last for one more cycle. Many teams, especially England, have criticized the WTC. They find it confusing and argue that it punishes teams that play more matches. Ben Stokes and his team have voiced their concerns about the system.
Why Change is Happening
The shift in cricket is happening because of the financial aspects of the game. With the rise of franchise leagues and the increasing importance of broadcasting revenue, the boards of Australia, England, and India want to focus more on the matches that draw the largest crowds and generate the most income. These big boards have more power now, and that is leading to changes in how the game is structured.
These changes would likely take place after the Future Tours Program (FTP) concludes in 2027. This will give these countries the flexibility to schedule more high-profile matches, reducing the reliance on playing against smaller teams. A two-tier system could create a more exciting and competitive environment, benefiting both players and fans alike.
