There are several alternatives, including a two-tier system, that can be considered
Sports reporter, Daily Dawn, Dawn TV report
London: Voices against the two-tier system in the World Test Championship have become louder. After Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand, now England has also expressed its clear disapproval by opposing this format. On the other hand, although Australia has conditionally supported this system, it also does not seem to be completely in agreement.
England Cricket Board Chairman Richard Thompson, while making a statement in this regard, said that there are several alternatives, including a two-tier system, that can be considered, but England would never want to go down to Division Two and then not get the opportunity to play against big rivals like India or Australia. He said that this would be unacceptable.
Richard Thompson further said that there is room for improvement in the World Test Championship, and if the appropriate changes are made to the format, it is possible that there will be no need to divide Test cricket into two tiers. He stressed that the real problem is the cricket schedule, in which it is necessary to maintain a balance between white-ball and red-ball series.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has indicated conditional support for a two-tier system. According to him, the real challenge at present is what is the role of different teams in Test cricket and to what extent they are making an impact in this format. He said that the strengthening of countries like the West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan is indispensable for world cricket.
Todd Greenberg further explained that if a two-tier system helps these teams improve, then he will support it, but if this goal is not achieved, then he will not support the format. He said that currently, the full member countries of the ICC are divided on this issue, and many countries are concerned that if they move to Division Two, their share of ICC revenue could be affected.
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