The International Cricket Council (ICC) may allow all 12 full members to participate in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle beginning in mid-2027, as the much-discussed two-tier model is unlikely to succeed.
Even though Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland are full members, they are not included in the elite circle. Currently, nine full members participate in WTC matches.
The notion of a two-tier system was taken into consideration by an assessment group headed by former New Zealand batsman Roger Twose, but it did not garner enough support during the ICC’s most recent quarterly meeting in Dubai.
“There was a discussion on the two-tier system but certain members were not convinced about the model, and it felt that a 12-team system should be tried out because it gives more chances for teams to play against each other,” a source close to the development said.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Bangladesh, which may have begun at tier 2 under the proposed two-segment structure, were the principal opponents of the plan.
“Even representatives of some of the top boards too were skeptical of the idea as what happens if a top team goes through a phase of struggle and gets relegated to the second tier? It will affect playing chances and revenue alike,” he added.
Richard Thompson, the head of the England and Wales Cricket Board, had expressed similar skepticism in August.
“We wouldn’t want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don’t play Australia and India?,” he had told BBC.
The general rejection of discussions about India, Australia, and England providing financial support to lower-tier teams also reflected this opinion.
The Super League idea, which was abandoned following the 2023 World Cup, may possibly be revived in ODIs by the ICC.
The 13-team system was intended to provide further background for the ODI format in 2020, but it did not develop as planned.
Many members who attended the ICC meeting believed that the 50-over format is not in danger of going extinct but could endure if given the right framework.
“The reaction and reach of ICC ODI events tell that there is still a place for 50-over cricket. Just that we need to give some context to it, and ensure that top teams and players are involved in it.
“Perhaps, a deeper discussion is needed on topics such as number of teams, proper window for matches etc.,” he noted.
