ICC rejects two-tier Test system till 2019

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has ruled out the proposal of the two-tier system for Test cricket at the two-day Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meeting in Dubai on Wednesday.

The proposal had the support of six full members, however, after discussing the pros and cons of the structure ICC decided to have it on hold till 2019. But they have now zeroed in upon a Test Champion playoff which will be held every two years.The workshop concluded with representatives from 10- Test playing countries discussing ways on how to improve bilateral cricket contests and bring in more fans to stadiums.

Speaking about the discussions, ICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Richardson, said: "The focus has been on solutions that will grow fan interest and engagement by delivering high quality cricket, with the best players playing in an environment where every match counts.

"Encouragingly there is an appetite from the ten full members for more context around all three formats of the game and we have consensus on a range of areas. This includes the details of ODI and T20 structures and principles around Test cricket schedules, which include the concept of a Test Champion playoff every two years, and the opportunity for more nations to be involved," Richardson said, in a statement.

One of the major reasons behind the step was that ICC did not find it feasible to hold a two-tier structure in Tests now as the ongoing Future Tours Program (FTP) ends in 2019-20."There are some complexities, not least because of scheduling and existing structures, but we envisage the changes being implemented for 2019," Richardson said.

The representatives will now go back and discuss their thoughts with their respective boards as ICC tries and find out a way to energize all the three formats."Work will continue to develop a clear structure and position for each format over the coming months as the ICC collectively focuses on improving bilateral cricket for fans and players in the long run," he said.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur, who had earlier raised concerns about the system said he is thankful to the ICC for agreeing with them. "I am thankful to the members of the ICC who understood our viewpoint and agreed to take this proposal off the table. As one of the key stakeholders in world cricket, BCCI would continue to have an inclusive approach and ensure that everyone's interest and the growth of cricket isn't compromised," Thakur was quoted by PTI.

"We want to grow the game and take it to new pastures and will not allow any step which can shrink the popularity and development of the game."