Various cricket boards raise concerns over ICC’s two-tier Test system

Full member cricket nations are divided over the proposed two-tier Test Championship, with many opposing the idea due to the risk of missing out on matches against the ‘Big Three’ — Australia, England, and India, according to international media reports.

The proposal has been under discussion in recent International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings but may struggle to move beyond the planning stage.

The ICC has formed a working group, led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, to explore ways to improve the World Test Championship (WTC) ahead of its next cycle starting in July 2027. Among the main suggestions discussed during the ICC Annual Conference in July was the introduction of a two-division format. Twose, New Zealand Cricket’s representative on the ICC Board, will present his recommendations in the coming months.

Debates over a two-tier Test structure have been ongoing for more than 15 years, with the ICC first showing interest back in 2009.

Under the current proposal, 12 teams would be split into two groups of six. The first division would include the Big Three along with South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while the second would feature Pakistan, Bangladesh, and West Indies, joined by Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in an expanded WTC format.

However, many full member nations are reluctant to support the plan, fearing they will lose the chance to face the Big Three.

"That can be achieved not by staging frequent series among the Big Three, but by involving them in contests with other nations," a source familiar with the matter told an international news website.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has also voiced concerns, saying the financial model must be addressed before making major changes.

"The CWI does not have a position as we have not held any discussion or seen any specifics (on two-tier championship) other than public speculation. Our position relates to the financial model that underpins Test and other bilateral international cricket which we do not believe is fit for purpose and which would have to be a major part of any overhaul," Dehring said.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson also warned that the relegation system could prevent England from playing key rivals.

"We wouldn't want, as England, if we go through a fallow period, to fall into Division Two and not play Australia or India. That simply couldn't happen. Common sense needs to prevail," Thompson told BBC’s Test Match Special.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly opposed the two-tier model at ICC meetings in Singapore.

"The Test schedule of the ICC is locked for the next two years. So it is too premature to discuss this," a PCB spokesperson told the website.