BCCI, along with 5 other nations, to reject the two-tier Test format in ICC meet - Reports
After much speculation, the BCCI, along with five other nations, is likely to reject the proposal of having a two-tier Test system at the forthcoming meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai on September 6. During the Annual General Meeting of the ICC earlier this year in Edinburgh, it was decided that such a format may be adopted in the future for Tests matches to revive its lost glory, and to initiate further talks on the matter the meeting is scheduled in the next week.
As per the rules of the particular format, only seven teams will be allowed to play in the top-flight while the rest, including three from the current 10 Test playing nations would battle it out in the lower-tier.
It is learnt that India along with respective Cricket Boards of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West Indies and Pakistan will also present views against the matter. Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa, Cricket Australia, England Wales Cricket Board as well as the New Zealand Cricket will root for a two-tier format.
Also read: BCCI against two-tier Test system says president Anurag Thakur
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was the first to oppose the system as they feared weaker Test playing nations like Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and West Indies could be overlooked. As per the reports of The Times of India, a BCCI official said that the policy will hinder the emergence of new nations which have the capability of playing Test cricket.
With Afghanistan and Ireland being the possible frontrunners to join the three full members for Test matches in the lower-league, it would be very uncomfortable for a team like West Indies, winner of two T20 World Cup’s to play five-day matches against the so-called minnows.
Sharing views on the matter, a BCCI source stated, "If it's only about money, then should India play only England and Australia?”, which proves that the board is concerned for other nations as well. The ICC, however, has valid reasons to take such drastic steps, mainly due to the lack of popularity in Test matches.
Also read: A look at the proposed two-tier Test system and what it would mean for Bangladesh
Nowadays, it is usually seen that Test matches are played in front of empty stands except for certain matches like the Ashes and matches featuring India. So, it is needless to say the organisers are running at losses, which is a big problem for the existence of the five-day format.