ICC Likely To Scrap Two-Tier Test Plan, Shifts Focus To ODI Super League Revival

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to abandon the contentious two-tier World Test Championship structure, with all 12 full-member nations to be included in the next WTC cycle, slated to begin in mid-2027.

As of now, nine full nations are involved in the WTC matches while Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland are not part of the elite circle despite having full member status.

As per the news agency PTI, a proposal for a two-tier approach, spearheaded by a functional group led by Roger Twose, failed to achieve traction at the ICC's recent quarterly meeting in Dubai.

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“There was a discussion on the two-tier system but certain members were not convinced about the model, and it felt that a 12-team system should be tried out because it gives more chances for teams to play against each other,” a source close to the development informed PTI.

The opposition to the idea mainly came from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Bangladesh, who could have been placed in tier 2 under the mooted two-segment system.

“Even representatives of some of the top boards too were sceptical of the idea as to what happens if a top team goes through a phase of struggle and gets relegated to the second tier? It will affect playing chances and revenue alike,” he added.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief Richard Thompson had demonstrated similar doubts in August.

“We wouldn't want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don't play Australia and India?” he had told the BBC.

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The ICC might also contemplate restoring the Super League concept in ODIs, which was discarded after the 2023 World Cup.

“The reaction and reach of ICC ODI events tell that there is still a place for 50-over cricket. Just that we need to give some context to it, and ensure that top teams and players are involved in it. Perhaps, a deeper discussion is needed on topics such as the number of teams, proper window for matches, etc,” he noted.