The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing a major overhaul of Test cricket by introducing a two-division system to tackle ongoing financial and competitive imbalances in the format.
As per reports, the new structure would divide the 12 full member nations into two tiers. The top division is expected to include India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, teams like Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Ireland may begin in the second tier.
This possible change has sparked debate across the cricketing world, especially in countries with deep Test traditions such as Pakistan and West Indies. Concerns are growing that relegation to a lower division could reduce international exposure, limit high-profile series, and hurt revenue and player development.
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The proposed model includes a promotion and relegation system to ensure movement between divisions, but many believe safeguards must be added to prevent long-term exclusion of developing sides from elite competition.
For this structural change to be approved, the ICC will need backing from at least two-thirds of its full member boards. Several members are reportedly seeking guarantees of financial support for lower-division nations to strengthen their infrastructure and maintain competitiveness.
The ICC maintains that the idea is still under discussion and aims to strike a balance between preserving the tradition of Test cricket and ensuring it remains commercially viable in a changing global sports landscape.
