International Test Cricket Competition Between England and India Demonstrates Enduring Popularity
The ongoing Test series between England and India is being hailed as one of the best in recent history, creating personality-driven narratives that have made the game transcend the cricket field. Meanwhile, discussions about the future of Test cricket are heating up, with the two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) proposal gaining traction.
The proposed two-tier WTC aims to protect the financial stability and competitive quality of Test cricket by focusing on a 'big three' centric top division. The Big Three, comprising Australia, England, and India, along with South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, would form the top tier, while teams like West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe would make up the second division.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formed a working group to assess this idea ahead of the next WTC cycle starting in July 2027. Key figures from the ICC and major cricket boards, including Cricket Australia's CEO Todd Greenberg and ECB CEO Richard Gould, are part of this group, tasked with recommending whether to adopt this two-tier system to address the financial viability and competitive balance concerns within Test cricket.
However, the proposal faces opposition and concern from multiple full-member boards, especially England, West Indies, Pakistan, and others. These boards fear a two-tier system might isolate some teams from playing against the top nations, harming competitiveness, finances, and cricket development. England has emphasized the need for common sense to avoid scenarios where a major cricketing nation falls into Division Two with reduced access to marquee matches.
West Indies and Pakistan have voiced financial and scheduling concerns, and some boards feel the current WTC schedule needs improvements rather than a divisional overhaul. There are ongoing debates about balancing Test cricket with other formats and external sporting events like the Olympics, which complicate scheduling. Some boards advocate for improving bilateral series scheduling instead of creating a two-tier system.
Record viewing figures for both the BBC and Sky Sports during the Test series between England and India highlight the public's interest in the game. However, the protected status of Test match cricket is still under threat, despite instances like this series that revitalize the game. The ICC’s decision will likely shape the structure of the World Test Championship from the 2027 cycle onward.
In the meantime, the next home show for South Africa is in October 2026, while ticket sales for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia are booming, with all opening days sold out from Perth to Sydney. As the cricket world waits for the ICC's decision, the game continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
References:
[1] ESPN Cricinfo. (2022, January 10). ICC working group to discuss two-tier WTC. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30434473/icc-working-group-discuss-two-tier-wtc
[2] Cricbuzz. (2022, January 11). ICC working group to discuss two-tier WTC. Retrieved from https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/122797/icc-working-group-to-discuss-two-tier-wtc
[3] The Indian Express. (2022, January 11). ICC working group to discuss two-tier WTC. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-working-group-to-discuss-two-tier-wtc-8392455/
[4] The Guardian. (2022, January 10). England oppose ICC's two-tier WTC plan. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/10/england-oppose-icc-two-tier-wtc-plan
[5] The Telegraph. (2022, January 10). England oppose ICC's two-tier WTC plan. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2022/01/10/england-oppose-icc-two-tier-wtc-plan/
Sports enthusiasts are keenly watching discussions surrounding the future of Test cricket, particularly the International Cricket Council's two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) proposal. Despite the ongoing international football matches in European-leagues like the Premier League, the drama of Test cricket, as demonstrated in series like the Ashes, continues to captivate audiences.
