Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @iRashidLatif68
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif shared a neutral perspective on the proposed two-tier Test cricket system, an issue currently generating significant debate. Latif attributed the push for this division to varying crowd sizes in different countries.
Representatives from Australia, England, and India are expected to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah later this month to discuss implementing the two-tier system by 2027. This discussion follows record-breaking attendance during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.
“I see this scheme as a neutral person. We have seen good crowds in England, Australia, and India during Test matches while we see fans in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and even in New Zealand, do not come to the grounds when longer-format matches are played, so this was imminent,” Latif told Telecom Asia Sport.
Latif noted the traditional fan base in England and South Africa’s ability to draw crowds, particularly when their team performs well in Tests. “Cricket can go up and down. India and Australia are at the top of Test rankings, but they can go down as well. All other countries where crowds do not want to go for Tests like ours are not given value and they do not get revenues,” he added.
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground broke several records, including the highest-ever opening day attendance for a Test match between the two teams, with 87,242 spectators. The series also saw a record crowd of 47,566 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, eclipsing records set as far back as 1936/37.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal also commented on the issue, criticizing the financial motives behind the proposed model. “The lure to earn more money is the prime reason for this so-called two-tier or Big Three scheme, and they do not consider the promotion of the game. We have countries like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan who do not play Test cricket regularly, and when they do, they lack the standards. If they do not play at all against big countries, then how can they improve?” Akmal said.
He emphasized the ICC’s responsibility to maintain the integrity of Test cricket. “I hope other countries do not accept this and make compromises on this. This was initiated before as well but was shelved due to protests from other countries. It’s the duty of the ICC to keep Test cricket alive. The World Test Championship has not only kept the format alive but has given good cricket to all countries,” he added.
Notably, the concept of a two-tier Test system was first proposed during an ICC Board meeting in 2016. It envisioned seven nations competing in the first division while the remaining five played in the second division.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
