What are the top benefits and drawbacks of the two-tier Test cricket system? Which nations will benefit from it, and which ones will face the consequences?
Just a day after Australia and South Africa locked themselves for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final at Lord’s, The Age in Melbourne broke the story of the two-tier Test structure. It suggested that the ICC’s new chairman, Jay Shah, is set to have discussions with the boards of India, Australia, and England about reconstructing the red-ball format.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and England Cricket Board head Richard Thompson will meet on the agenda later this month. The interaction received momentum after the BGT 2024-25, ending as the fourth-best attended series down under. There were record crowds in Melbourne and Sydney alongside the TV viewership.
This new structure can only take place after the fourth WTC 2025-27 cycle ends. The year will also see a 150th anniversary Test match between the two oldest rivals, Australia and England at the MCG. The question stands if the new proposal could rejig the five-day format.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a 2-tier structure in Tests
Regular Test series between the ‘big three’ nations
The biggest advantage of the proposal will be that India, Australia, and England could play each other twice every three years. The top nations, playing among themselves more frequently, will carry a lot of excitement among the fans. This will help in earning a huge chunk of money. It’s a win-win deal for the nations and the broadcasters.
The ticket selling will go through the roof and there will be more competitive outings between these equally-matched sides. The idea has the support of India’s former head coach, Ravi Shastri, who advocated for ‘best versus the best’ during the fifth Sydney Test.
“I have always believed that if you want Test cricket to survive and thrive, this is the way to go. The top teams should play each other more often, creating a contest.” Shastri expressed on SEN Radio.
This will also help in increasing the number of Tests. Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe can play a more regular five-day format among themselves, which will also promote the game. The current head coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lalchand Rajput, is delighted with the concept.
“A lower-ranked team like Zimbabwe, for example, would get hammered if it played against India or Australia. After the end of a WTC cycle, the bottom two in the top six could be relegated to the second tier, while the top two could be promoted to the next WTC cycle. This would mean that there would be something to play for in all the WTC matches.” The former India coach explained as quoted by Times of India (TOI). Read More: Home whitewash at the hands of NZ, first BGT loss in 10 years: Time up for Gautam Gambhir in Tests?
Lack of development for small nations- drawback of a two-tier system
Many outlets have used the phases ‘two-tier’ and ‘two-divisions’ interchangeably. However, both highlight differences like day and night. In divisional sports, teams can get promotion and demotion. The lower-ranked side will get a fair chance to develop in the format according to their merit. The two-tier system suggests a closed shop with an advantage only for the top-tier sides.
The former Bangladesh Test captain, Mominul Haque, was quick to show his concern. The veteran is bewildered by the road of their progression, calling it ‘frustrating and not good for them.’ The former West Indies pacer, Michael Holding, feared bottom teams would disappear.
“For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs football. The ICC must run cricket. If there is no promotion and relegation, the top division will keep on making all the money. The bottom division will get poorer, and teams will disappear. Maybe that is what they want.” Holding reflected as quoted by TOI.
From the monitoring point of view, it will be incredibly challenging for the ICC to find sponsors for the lower-ranked teams. The financial struggle will keep on going. West Indies make money by hosting only England and India in Test matches, and they won’t do that till 2027. That’s a huge financial disadvantage for the Caribbean side.
Even divisional cricket has questions that will need answering. The broadcasters will want to know the length of the model. Their revenue will depend on which division the teams they want to follow are in. Would India, England, and Australia be prepared to face a cycle in the second division? Will the broadcasters be ready to accept a cycle without the Ashes or Border Gavaskar Trophy?
The former West Indies captain, Clive Llyod, believed that efforts should be made to focus on struggling teams.
“I think it will be terrible for all those countries who worked so hard to achieve Test status. Now, they will be relegated to playing among themselves in the lower section. How will they reach the top? (Only) by playing against better teams.” The 80-year-old expressed his unease during an online media interaction.
The eventual progress of the format will go back five to ten years in that structure. It’s a negative thing to assume that more means better. The potential change for more fixtures between India, Australia, and England can murder that enthusiasm.
The discussed model of ICC has at least brought some fresh routes to save Test cricket. But the ultimate result is a long way to go. The eyes will be on Jay Shah to monitor how he counters this massive challenge. Read More: BCCI's ten-point guideline for Team India: A Progressive or Regressive Step?
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