Two-tier Test plan rejected by ICC as India speak out

A TWO-TIER Test Championship will not be happening anytime soon after the ICC rejected the idea.

Though six of the ICC’s ten full members supported the plan, the proposal has been withdrawn.

England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies were all in favour of Test cricket being played in two tiers, but India were the most significant opponents along with Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The ICC have, however, revealed proposals for a Test Championship play-off match every two years, with the hope it will be introduced by 2019.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said: “There are some complexities, not least because of scheduling and existing structures, but we envisage the changes being implemented for 2019.

“Members will now return to their boards to share the details of the proposed revised structures and principles. Work will continue to develop a clear structure and position for each format over the coming months as the ICC collectively focuses on improving bi-lateral cricket for fans and players in the long run.”

India’s reason for being against the proposals was said to c entre around the effects on the smaller Test nations.

Indian board president Anurag Thakur said: “As the governing body of the game, the ICC’s job is to popularise the game and increase its global reach. On the contrary, this system may be good for the top five countries, but apart from that, everyone else will suffer.

“On the one hand, we say we need to support teams like West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, while on the other, by bringing up something like this, we will cut their legs.”