Bangladesh are the only country against two-tier Test structure
The only country to oppose ICC's plans to have a two-tier Test structure was Bangladesh says Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan, reports ESPN Cricinfo. During the ICC's annual conference in Edinburgh, the subject was discussed in the chief executive's committee (CEC) meeting.
Nazmul Hossain also added that the matter will be decided via a vote by the Full Members before stating that it wasn't going to be easy to get it passed.
"Bangladesh was the only country to oppose this idea in the [CEC] meeting, where we explained our position," Hassan said. "But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter who has opposed it and who hasn't.
"The decision will be taken through a vote, so if one or two do not vote, it doesn't really matter. But I don't think it will be easy get this passed at the ICC. The issue isn't so [simple]. It is a tough process."
One of the reasons that Bangladesh are against the system is due to their current position in the ICC Test Rankings. As the No.9 ranked side, they will, in all likelihood slip into Division Two. BCB vice-president Mahbubul Anam and directors Ahmed Sajjadul Alam and Tanjil Chowdhury had previously said that they weren't against the proposed system.
In the press release that chronicled the issues discussed in the meeting, ICC chief executive spoke about this being "an unprecedented opportunity" to expand cricket and create more context for bilateral matches.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for our sport to introduce a package of bilateral international cricket structures, which are merit and performance based, have context, enhance the value of bilateral international cricket and create a highly competitive environment for cricketers so they can provide more entertainment to spectators," he said.
“The Member countries acknowledge and recognise the importance of international cricket across all its three formats and are committed to ensuring that it continues to grow in relevance and value for cricket fans around the world.
"This is a complex issue on many levels, but I am heartened by the progress that has been made to date and during these meetings."
The ICC press release also added that a workshop is to be scheduled in Dubai in early September so that the members can discuss on this issue and work through some of the flaws in the two-tier Test idea.