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ICC Delays Controversial Two-Tier Test Cricket Proposal
Plans for a divisive restructuring of Test cricket into two divisions have been postponed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The upcoming edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), commencing this summer, will proceed with its current single-league structure.
Two-Tier System off the Agenda at Zimbabwe Meetings
The contentious issue of a two-tier system in Test cricket is scheduled for discussion at a series of ICC meetings in Zimbabwe this weekend. However, sources indicate that a proposition from Cricket Australia advocating for the division of Test cricket into two leagues will not be formally voted upon during these sessions.
Concerns over Radical Changes
The ICC reportedly requires more time to thoroughly assess the potential sporting and financial ramifications of implementing what would constitute a significant transformation in the 133-year history of Test cricket. While deferred for now, the two-tier proposal could be revisited when planning commences for the 2027-2029 WTC cycle.
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Current WTC Format Retained
Instead of expanding the World Test Championship to two divisions of six teams, incorporating Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, the next edition, spanning from this summer to 2027, will maintain its existing nine-team structure. Reflecting the congested international cricket calendar, the forthcoming WTC will begin with England hosting India in a five-Test series in June, just five days following the conclusion of the 2025 final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.
Cricket Australia’s Push for Restructuring
The two-tier format proposal originated from discussions between Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) during the women’s Ashes in January. Cricket Australia is understood to be a primary proponent of the two-division model, as it would ensure that Australia, England, and India play each other twice every three years, instead of the present arrangement of two series in four years, potentially generating substantial financial gains.
Opposition from Other Test Nations
However, other Test-playing nations harbor apprehensions about widening the gap with the so-called “big three.” These nations are requesting further clarification on financial redistribution mechanisms and promotion and relegation protocols before considering a vote on the proposed structural alterations.
Potential Changes to WTC Points System
This weekend’s ICC meetings may still yield other notable modifications to the World Test Championship, with potential revisions to the points system that dictates qualification for the final. Among the changes under consideration are:
- A new bonus points system based on the margin of victory, mirroring the system utilized in rugby union.
- Weighting points for wins according to the strength of the opposition.
- Additional points for victories achieved in away Test matches.
Review of Over-Rate Penalties
Another aspect of the WTC under scrutiny is the application of over-rate penalties. Rob Key, England Cricket’s Managing Director, recently delivered a presentation to the ICC men’s cricket committee arguing against the severity of the current penalty system for slow over rates.
Under the current system, all WTC matches carry equal points value – 12 for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. This has prompted complaints that the major cricketing nations might be unfairly disadvantaged due to playing more matches against each other. South Africa’s progression to this year’s final was met with some unease, as they achieved this feat without playing against either England or Australia. Series victories against West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a draw against India and a defeat in India, provided sufficient points for the Proteas to reach the final for the first time.
England’s Concerns and Slow Play Issue
While six of the nine teams participating in the current WTC edition have faced penalties for slow over rates, England has been penalized most heavily. They incurred a deduction of 22 points throughout their campaign, ultimately finishing sixth with a points percentage of 41.5. However, their win percentage of 51.5 during this period was the third highest, surpassed only by the finalists, South Africa and Australia.
The issue of over-rate penalties reached a critical point in New Zealand last December when Ben Stokes, the England captain, disclosed that he had spent the preceding 18 months refusing to sign ICC paperwork post-Test matches as a form of protest against the lack of ICC engagement on the matter.
The existing regulations mandate teams to maintain an average of 15 overs per hour while fielding. After accounting for allowances for stoppages, such as DRS reviews, teams can only avoid sanctions if they bowl out the opposition in under 80 overs – a provision implemented following lobbying from Australia two years prior.
Draws Becoming Less Frequent, Over Rates Slowing
Dissatisfaction with the penalties, which include both point deductions and match fee reductions, extends beyond just England. This debate arises at a time when Test match draws are becoming increasingly rare. Only three out of 50 Test matches in the past year concluded in a draw, continuing a downward trend from a record 21 draws out of 44 Tests in 1997.
Concurrently, Test match over rates have slowed down, with 1975 being the last year teams averaged 15 overs per hour across all matches. The pace of play is marginally faster in regions where spin bowling is prevalent, though not to the extent suggested by Stokes when expressing his frustration last December.
Tactical Advantages and Potential Solutions
Even as draws become less common, employing a slower over rate can offer tactical advantages, especially in conditions favoring seam bowling. It allows fast bowlers more extended rest periods between spells, minimizing the need for overs to be bowled by all-rounders. Stokes himself is known to frequently adjust field placements, contributing to time delays.
Through Rob Key, England has articulated its case for a revision of the over-rate penalty system, citing spectator surveys that indicate slow play is not typically identified as a major concern in overall feedback. The specific actions the ICC will take in response remain to be determined.
Stop-Clock Trial Under Consideration
One potential alteration under consideration, possibly to be tested in the next World Test Championship cycle, is the introduction of a stop-clock. Already in use for limited-overs international matches since last year, this system grants fielding teams 60 seconds between overs to assume their positions. After two warnings, a team incurs a five-run penalty for each subsequent infraction.