ICC mulls two-division format for Test cricket
David Richardson (R) with Geoff Allardice (C) and Clive Hitchcock (L) during an ICC meeting © ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating on coming up with a two-division Test cricket format in order to make the longest format more competitive. The two-division split will allow for relegation and promotion of teams from the respective divisions, reported the Guardian.
The top-seven ranked Test sides will be a part of the first division, while the next three (West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at present) will be in the second division. They will retain their Test status and will play alongside the two best teams from the second Tier group based on their performance in the Intercontinental Cup. Thus, there will be five teams playing in the second division.
The last placed team from division one will be relegated to division two, while the best team from division two will get promoted. Every team from each division will play a Test series at home or away in the two year period. The best team will receive the Test championship mace.
The proposal is likely to be put forward in the ICC's annual conference, set to be held in June at Edinburgh, and could come into effect after the 2019 World Cup.
While the plans are still not fool-proof with numerous issues yet to be discussed, especially the financial complications. With some of the boards not in a state to host matches that aren't as lucrative, ICC plans to fund such series. However, a lot of plans are yet to be discussed.
ICC is also contemplating changes in format of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals, but the design isn't as detailed. One of the options taken into consideration is to have two divisions of six teams each, while three leagues of four is also considered as an option, forming the basis of World Cup qualification.
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