Opposition is mounting against the proposed two-tier structure for Test cricket under the World Test Championship (WTC) with several major cricket boards voicing serious concerns. After Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has now also rejected the idea, while Cricket Australia (CA) has expressed conditional support.
ECB Chairman Richard Thompson strongly criticized the proposal, arguing that it risks undermining the competitiveness and appeal of Test cricket. “It could potentially prevent England from playing top-tier teams like Australia and India, which is simply unacceptable,” he said.
Thompson added that instead of dividing Test cricket into two divisions, the focus should be on addressing scheduling challenges and balancing the formats of the game.
On the other hand, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has shown cautious support. He stated that Australia’s backing for a two-tier system depends on whether it strengthens the overall Test ecosystem especially for smaller cricketing nations like the West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan. “If it helps elevate these teams and contributes to the sustainability of Test cricket globally, we support it. If it doesn’t, then our position will change,” Greenberg said.
The proposal has sparked division among ICC full members. Several boards fear that relegation to a second tier could negatively impact their share of ICC revenues and reduce their exposure in top-level cricket.
In response to the ongoing debate, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formed a working group led by New Zealand’s Roger Twos. The group has been tasked with evaluating the proposal and finding a solution that is acceptable to all member boards for the next WTC cycle.
