Two-Tier WTC Proposal Faces Resistance as ICC Working Group Explores Test Cricket Reform

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed strong reservations over a potential two-tier structure for the World Test Championship (WTC), warning it could threaten historic rivalries like the Ashes if top teams such as England, Australia, or India find themselves in separate divisions.

This reaction comes after the ICC formed a working group last month, headed by former New Zealand batter and current NZC Board representative Roger Twose, to examine ways to improve the WTC format for the 2027-29 cycle. Among the key proposals under consideration is a divisional format that could introduce promotion and relegation to the Test landscape—a concept long discussed but never implemented.

ECB Pushes Back Against Tiered System

Speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special during the recent Oval Test between England and India, ECB chairman Richard Thompson acknowledged the challenges Test cricket faces amidst a congested calendar dominated by franchise T20 leagues. However, he was firm in opposing a structure that could see England fall into a second division.

“We wouldn’t want, as England, to go through a fallow period and fall into Division Two—meaning we don’t play Australia or India. That couldn’t happen,” Thompson said. “There has to be some common sense.”

Thompson said that although the idea of tiers deserves discussion, enhancing the existing WTC format might be a more effective and inclusive approach. He pointed to South Africa’s recent WTC final win over Australia as proof that smaller teams can compete with stronger opposition if properly supported.

“Seeing what it meant for South Africa to win, that was a real moment for the game,” Thompson said, referencing the emotional victory at Lord’s in June. “Maybe you don’t need two tiers of Test cricket—what you need is a schedule that makes more sense.”

Thompson also flagged potential scheduling conflicts in the coming years, such as the 2028 Olympics, which could overlap with peak cricket season and force national teams to juggle resources.

Greenberg: Bigger Nations Must Support Smaller Ones

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg struck a more open tone, suggesting a two-tier system could work—if it provides real benefits for lower-ranked teams.

“If it helps grow the opportunities for those other countries to be stronger and have better resources in Test match cricket, then I’m open to it,” Greenberg told SEN Radio. “But if it doesn’t, and does the opposite, I wouldn’t be supportive.”

Greenberg stressed that it was in the best interest of the top teams to ensure the competitiveness of sides like the West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa—teams that have seen mixed results and strained finances in recent years.

“We want those countries to be strong in this format. But they can’t do it alone—it’s incumbent on all of cricket to help.”

He added that many CEOs who attended the recent ICC Chief Executives’ Committee meeting in Singapore shared similar views, acknowledging that reform is needed to sustain the relevance and financial viability of Test cricket.

Divided Opinions, Uncertain Future

The two-tier model has long divided Full Member nations. Some boards fear the loss of broadcast and sponsorship revenue if relegated, while others oppose it due to ego or tradition. The ICC hopes that the new working group, reportedly an eight-member committee with representation from non-Test nations and newly appointed ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, will deliver actionable recommendations.

With bilateral series negotiations already underway for the next WTC cycle and media rights for 2027-31 expected to be tendered next year, the ICC is under pressure to make the WTC more commercially and competitively viable. But as of now, the proposal remains contentious, with boards like the ECB warning of unintended consequences if cherished rivalries and financial interests are undermined.

As the global game grapples with balancing heritage, revenue, and relevance, the future shape of Test cricket remains deeply uncertain.

Ask ChatGPT