(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC’s Two-Tier Test Championship Faces Growing Resistance
The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) proposal for a two-tier Test Championship has encountered increasing opposition, with several full member nations — including Pakistan — expressing concerns about the model.
According to international media reports, the idea of splitting Test cricket into two divisions has been discussed for more than 15 years, but despite renewed interest at the ICC Annual Conference in July, it appears unlikely to move forward in the near future.
The proposal, led by a working group chaired by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, aimed to restructure the World Test Championship (WTC) from July 2027. Under the plan, 12 Test-playing nations would be divided into two groups of six. The top tier would include Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while the second tier would feature Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.
However, cricket boards are cautious about losing regular series against the “Big Three” — Australia, England, and India — which are considered the biggest commercial draws in the sport. Critics argue that the growth of Test cricket requires all nations to play each other, not just the top-ranked teams facing off.
Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring has also called for careful evaluation, highlighting the need to address the financial aspects of the current bilateral structure. “Our concern is the financial model — it must be reviewed and form a key part of any major change,” he said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has already voiced its opposition during ICC meetings, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and competitive opportunities for all member nations.
While discussions may continue, the combination of commercial considerations, scheduling challenges, and political realities means that the two-tier Test Championship could remain an idea on paper for the foreseeable future.
