The two-tier system proposed to restructure the World Test Championship has started to take shape after receiving majority approval from ICC members during the recent ICC conference held in Malaysia.
International Cricket Council is considering restructuring the entire WTC cycle starting from 2027–2029 and introducing a two-tier Test system similar to the one used in club football, featuring promotion and relegation between divisions..
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is not in favor of this idea, as they believe it could negatively affect their financial model, while they also face the fear of relegation and its impact on key rivalries, revenue, and the overall Test cricket narrative has put the ECB at odds with the two-tier model.
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ECB Concerned Over Financial Fallout and Rivalry Disruption
The ECB’s biggest concern with the system is that, if they were relegated to Tier 2, they might not be able to play bilateral Test series against Tier 1 nations leading to major financial losses. This includes iconic series such as the Ashes and the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which were successful financially. ECB Chairman believes England could face a “fallow period” if relegation were to occur.
"There's a lot of options that we've got to look at tiers would be one of them," he said. "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? That couldn't happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here.
Thompson Defends Current WTC Format
However, Thompson believes the current system is working well. He pointed out that even underdogs can win the title, referring to South Africa’s recent WTC triumph.
"The World Test Championship could work better than it does. It has improved the narrative, [and] it has created relevance," Thompson said. "Seeing what it meant for South Africa to win who are crushed by rugby in their own country and seeing players I know well, like Graeme Smith, in tears on the outfield, that was a real moment seeing them win. As much as I was critical that they turned up with a 'B' team when they played New Zealand [in 2024], it was still good for the game when the underdog wins."
Cricket Australia Takes a Balanced Stance
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia Chairman Todd Greenberg thinks the new tier system could benefit smaller teams by providing financial opportunities and attracting sponsors. He emphasized that the big three, India, Australia, and England, have a responsibility to support the growth of Test cricket among less financially secure nations. He pointed out that without proper backing, teams like the West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand could struggle to stay competitive.
Greenberg also mentioned that his support isn’t final, and he's open to changing his stance depending on how the system impacts the global Test landscape in the coming years.
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