Jay Shah, the new ICC Chairman, is keen to have the very first two-tier test cricket system. So scintillating was the five-test Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia that he is seeking the same. As many as 837,879 attended the tests of this series; all these turned out to be the fourth-most-better-attended cricket series in Australian history.
Two-Tier Test Cricket Backed By Leading Cricket Boards
It tries to make a more competitive and hence commercially viable, Test format in which the best teams play each other more often. The prime movers behind this are major cricket boards from India, Australia and England and certain sections of the broadcasting industries keen to jump at the chance when the format comes of age.
The Two-Tier Approach
More matches between the top teams like India, Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand would be played in the first division. Teams that are not doing so well in Test cricket would comprise the second division with Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. Teams like Bangladesh and West Indies, who have been a mixed bag lately may also be accommodated in the lower tier.
Competition And Future Uncertainty
The plan would make for more exciting contests between the best sides and yet give the teams that are still building their Test credentials a separate environment. The system would probably then see the top-tier teams play inside their division, with the weaker teams competing with each other. As of yet, not much is clear regarding the system, but one possible aspect is whether or not there will be a chance for promotion and relegation among the two divisions.
A Long-Standing Debate Resurfaces
The two-tier test format was also floated in 2016. However, the BCCI, that time under Anurag Thakur was not in support of it, mainly because it felt that it is not fair towards the smaller nation. However, the massive commercial interest in some of the more big-ticket series, such as the BGT, has restarted the debate. Recently, former coach of India, Ravi Shastri showed his support towards the format in the event; regular games by strong teams may ensure survival, in the long term, of test cricket.
Change In Test Cricket Scenario
Still very early for its plan that is to mold its future in cricket. Do you think that the two-tier test cricket format will come into existence?
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
