Pakistan to oppose ICC’s proposed two-tier Test system

Pakistan has decided to oppose the proposed two-tier system in Test cricket, taking a stand against the growing dominance of elite cricketing nations.

Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) formed an eight-member working group, headed by Sanjog Gupta, to explore the possibility of restructuring the World Test Championship. The group includes key figures such as England Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould and Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg. They are expected to present their recommendations to the ICC Board by the end of the year.

The proposal seeks to divide the current nine-team format into two divisions of six teams each, possibly starting with the 2027–2029 World Test Championship cycle. The new structure would require a two-thirds majority vote from the ICC’s 12 full members to be implemented.

Under this model, the top six teams in the current ICC Test rankings Australia, South Africa, England, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka would likely form Division One. Teams ranked lower, such as Pakistan (7th), West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe, face relegation to Division Two.

Sources within the PCB have confirmed the board’s strong opposition to the plan. 

“Cricket is not the property of just a few powerful nations,” said a senior official. 

“Smaller teams can only improve if they are given regular opportunities to play against top-level competition,” he added. 

The official added that while Pakistan may secure its place in Division One by improving its ranking in the coming year, the board is advocating on behalf of all developing cricket nations. 

“What will happen to Bangladesh and West Indies? How will they improve by only playing each other?” the official questioned.

Pakistan has faced criticism for allegedly not prioritizing Test cricket, but the PCB insists this is inaccurate. While only 5 Test matches are scheduled for Pakistan this year. Among them, they suffered a defeat against South Africa in Cape Town, while the 2-Test home series against West Indies ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, two Test matches will be played against South Africa in October and November. The schedule for 2026 includes nine Tests, providing ample opportunity to climb the rankings.

It includes Two Tests in Bangladesh in March, April 2026, Two Tests in West Indies in July, August, Three Tests in England August, September and Two home Tests against Sri Lanka  in November. 

The PCB views these fixtures as a chance to boost performance and strengthen its position in the global Test rankings. The board remains committed to preserving Test cricket as a global, inclusive format, not one dominated by a handful of nations.