New Delhi: Discussions are reportedly set to begin regarding a two-tier system in Test cricket. Cricket Australia (CA), England Cricket Board (ECB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are involved in these talks.
The main goal is to increase the number of matches between England, Australia, and India. According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, important figures from these cricketing bodies will discuss the possibility of a two-tier system later this month.
CA chairman Mike Baird, ECB chief Richard Thompson and ICC Chairman Jay Shah will meet later this month. The two-tier structure for the longest format is a significant topic on their agenda. The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India saw massive crowds in the stadium and a record-breaking viewership. It became the fourth-most attended series in Australia and reportedly the most-watched series ever.
How will the 2-tier system work?
In the 2-tier format, the top teams in Test cricket like Australia, India, England, South Africa and New Zealand will play against each other more often than they do. At the same time, the other teams like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe will be in the 2nd tier of this system.
This format will see the top teams compete against each other, while the 2nd-tier teams will stick to their division. There is no confirmation if this system will also include promotion and relegation.
The proposed system will not be implemented until the current Future Tours Program ends in 2027. The year 2027 also marks the 150th anniversary of Test cricket and a celebratory match between Australia and England is planned at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the occasion.
Possible teams in 2-tier system
1st Division: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
2nd Division: Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Australia, England, India and ICC are reportedly in talks for a two-tier Test cricket system. The proposed system may start after 2027. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
