BCCI set to oppose two-tier Test proposal

In the backdrop of its recent but sustained belief that the financial value of bilateral series between full member boards has been fast diminishing, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has put the idea of a two-tier Test structure on the agenda for its meeting in Dubai.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with five other Test playing nations are likely to reject the proposal.

On Tuesday and Wednesday (September 6 & 7), the ICC will convene a special meeting at its headquarters to continue the discussions that took place at its Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh this July.

The proposal to 'shake-up' the structure in which Test cricket is currently played involves setting up a two-division league system, which would comprise seven teams in the top tier and five in the bottom, with Afghanistan and Ireland set to be involved as the leading Associate teams.

At the Tuesday meeting, the proposal is likely to see the BCCI pitted against the likes of Cricket Australia, New Zealand Cricket, Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The BCCI is clearly not in favour of a two-tier Test structure because it strongly believes that such an idea will lead to smaller countries losing out and their interests not being protected. It is learnt that Sri Lanka Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket, Bangladesh, West Indies and the Pakistan Cricket Board are in line with the BCCI's views.

"There's a clear divide bordering on serious financial disruptions, which the ICC is overlooking at the moment," say sources. "If it's only about money, then India should play only England and Australia, no? As it is there are only ten Test playing nations and even in that you want to have a divide."

A look at the annual ICC cricket calendar clearly suggests that there's at least a single ICC event held every year, be it the 50-over World Cup, the Champions Trophy or the World Twenty20 - all far more exciting for the paying viewer than some of the dwindling bilateral Test series.

"In a two-tier structure, India, Australia and England will probably be fine on the rights sales but what about the smaller boards? The money from the Tier 2 Tests will go to the ICC," adds a source.

Further, considering how Test teams often blow hot and cold in form, depending on team realignments and other factors, it's not known yet if the ICC has considered the idea of either India, Sri Lanka or any other top cricket team being relegated to Tier 2.

"South Africa and Sri Lanka are placed fifth and sixth at the moment. Another bad series and if they get relegated, what happens?" says an administrator tracking developments.