ICC likely to introduce two divisions in Test cricket

Kathmandu | The International Cricket Council (ICC) are planning to revive the aura and importance of Test cricket, which has taken a backseat to T20 cricket in the last few years. Richardson has hinted that countries like Nepal could get chance to feature in Test cricket as the global cricket governing body is planning to introduce two tiers of Test cricket by 2019.

As per reports of cricket news portal Cricinfo, ICC chief executive officer David Richardson has flouted a proposal forming a second tier test cricket as early as 2019 saying that the cricket governing body could unveil plans for the introduction of two divisions in Test cricket. If the plan comes into action, Associate nations will have a chance to sharpen their skills in the Test format of the game.

“There’s a general realisation now that, if we’re going to keep Test cricket going well into the future, we can’t just say it’s going to survive on its own,” Richardson said while speaking to promote the 2017 Champions Trophy. “Unless we can give some meaning to these series beyond the rankings and a trophy, then interest in Test cricket will continue to waiver. The same applies if we allow uncompetitive Test cricket to take place too often.”

The division one will have seven teams and the one below will have five. The teams will be placed in these two divisions based on their ICC Test rankings. Promotion and relegation will happen every two years. Richardson hoped that each qualifying Test series would consist of a minimum of three Tests, though he acknowledged that the growth of domestic T20 leagues might render that impractical. 