“Remember what I said a few years ago” - Former England batter reacts as talks of a two-tier system for Tests regain momentum

Former England captain and star batter Kevin Pietersen, on Monday, January 6, reacted to a tweet he had written a few years ago of only a few teams continuing to play Test cricket in the future. Pietersen had earlier mentioned that only five teams would continue to play Test cricket in 2026.

In Pietersen's tweet, he mentioned that only Australia, England, India, South Africa, and Pakistan will continue playing Tests given that the modern generation detests the long format. He also felt that the history of the sport would be the sole modicum through which it survives with the more influential boards.

"In 2026, there will be only be a few Test-playing cricketing nations. England, India, Australia. Possibly South Africa and Pakistan. No kids want to play Tests! Its history will help its survival with the big boards," Pietersen had tweeted.

Now, with talks of a two-tier Test structure gaining ground, Pietersen took to X in a classic 'I told you so' avatar and mentioned that he had already mentioned that to be happening a few years ago.

"Remember what I said a few years ago?????" Pietersen wrote on January 6.

You can see the tweet here:

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Talks of a two-tier Test cricket system gaining ground: Reports

It has been widely reported that cricket's powerbrokers are trying to decode a system in which the more influential Test nations play each other more often. According to Fox Sports, the possibility of this happening is high.

The aforementioned report also adds that ICC chair Jay Shah will meet with Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and England Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson later in January to discuss the feasibility of such a move.

The move is being made keeping in mind the massive revenues that the big cricketing boards stand to make when top teams play against each other. The structure could be implemented from the 2027 Future Tours Program.

THEORETICAL TWO-DIVISION TEST CRICKET STRUCTURE

Division 1: South Africa, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan

Division 2: West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe