South Africa extend their support to two-tier Test system

The CEO of Cricket South Africa, Haroon Lorgat has stated his board’s support for the introduction of two divisions in Test cricket. The South African was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, “Test cricket is already fading and will die if nothing is done, South Africa would support a two-tier Test system in order to create meaningful context for Test match cricket. Currently there is little or no meaning when countries play against each other in bilateral Test matches, save for the Ashes."

The two-division Test cricket model, presented by the ICC, would divide 12 teams into a seven-five split, with the best seven teams going into the top tier. Over the two-year rotation, each side would play the others in their division home or away, in series lasting a minimum of three Tests each. The champion of the 2nd division would either be automatically promoted or go into a play-off against the lowest-ranked team from the top division.

Similarly, the bottom team in division two would have to play off against the best team in the next level down. In the top division, each team would have 18 compulsory matches every two years, leaving space for additional bilateral test series like the ‘Ashes’.

"A two-tier system with promotion and relegation will allow for a much better narrative plus two more teams will have the opportunity to play Test match cricket," continued Lorgat . He also said that the Test league can also link down to the Intercontinental Cup where again promotion and relegation will create context and opportunity for other countries.

The President of the BCCI, Anurag Thakur recently voiced his concerns with the two divisions system. Thakur said that the BCCI was worried that "the smaller countries will lose out".

Some other full members remain hopeful that the plan could yet pass. Any change would need the vote of seven of the 10 Full Members on the ICC board, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also expressed their problems to the two divisions.

The West Indies have still not made any opinion. The president of the WICB, Dave Cameron said that at this point in time the West Indies Cricket Board does not have enough information to take a decision. He also said, "However in world football there are no divisions with over 200 nations participation, and so off the bat we cannot see the need for divisions if we have 12 teams participating in Test cricket."

The ICC is due to meet in Dubai next month for an important meeting to discuss comprehensive improvement to the structure of cricket, including the introduction of two divisions in Tests, a 13-team ODI league and ratifying bringing the World T20 back to a once-in-two-years event.