“At least FIFA actually runs soccer” - Legendary fast bowler’s blunt take on ICC amid reports of two-tier Test system

Former West Indies pacer Michael Holding has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stand up to the 'Big 3' (India, Australia, and England) to ensure a fair execution of the reported two-tier Test system, comprising promotion and relegation. The ICC are proposing a radical shift, where 12 teams will be divided into two divisions to ensure more 'meaningful' Test cricket among the heavyweights.

Despite the 'Big 3' competing against each other in a five-match Test series twice in a cycle, there is an internal demand for more.

The current World Test Championship (WTC) model, which includes uneven matches and disparity in scheduling, does not have unanimous approval. England skipper Ben Stokes openly criticized the layout of the competition, while former player Michael Vaughan also questioned South Africa's easy run of fixtures en route to the final.

Michael Holding acknowledged that the two-division system was the right way to increase Test cricket's relevance, but also opined that the proposed model needed to be amended.

The former pacer suggested that Division One teams should tour teams placed in Division Two at least once during the cycle. The 70-year-old added that the ICC should ensure that all the teams comply with the rule.

"When England visit their countries, when India visit their countries, when Australia visit their countries, they will make money. It has to be a matter for the International Cricket Council but they seem to be so weak. They have got to get some strength where they can dictate a proper schedule and say, ‘this is what has to happen,’" Michael Holding wrote in his column for WA Today.

"And people do not just go about and do as they feel like. Because next thing you know, Australia, England, India or whoever are going to say, ‘Oh, I’m not going to that country. Waste of time. Why should I go?’ It has to be something that’s mandatory. This is what you do. For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs soccer. The ICC must run cricket," he added.

The ICC have been blamed numerous times for catering to the needs of the 'Big 3' because of the revenue they bring through in the form of broadcasters and sponsorships, apart from being the biggest attractions in the sport.

The governing body recently complied with the BCCI's request for the Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in a hybrid model, as India refused to visit Pakistan. As a result, India's matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates, including the knockout fixtures, if they qualify.

"Not being just responsible for a few countries to better themselves" - Michael Holding expects better revenue distribution from ICC

Holding also lambasted the lopsided revenue distribution system that the ICC currently have, which is not helping the small nations grow.

One of the major obstacles that the newly elected ICC chairman, Jay Shah, has to address is the protection of the longest format. There have been talks of setting up a Test fund to help the lower-ranked nations with the costs of arranging a five-day contest amid a lack of interest from broadcasters.

"We know who the Big Three are. All you have to do is look at the sharing of the ICC funds. You see who gets what percentage. You know the big three countries get more than 50 per cent of the money. What do the other nine countries get?" Holding wrote in the same column.

"I would love to see people responsible for the game, being truly responsible for the game, and not being just responsible for a few countries to better themselves," he added.

According to the FTP, the current WTC structure is set in stone for at least one more cycle, which goes until 2027.