The proposal to introduce a two-tier system in Test cricket has drawn a strong reaction from the side West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, who criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for trying to destroy the spirit of the game and undermine emerging test-playing nations.
Clive Lloyd believes that the proposed model would undermine the essence of granting test status to emerging ones. TEAMSand is concerned that pushing these teams into the lower division would only limit their opportunities to compete at the highest level in red-ball cricket.
West Indies legend Clive Lloyd opposes ICC's two-tier Test Cricket plan
The former West Indies captain expressed his shock at the idea, stressing that Test cricket should remain inclusive, especially with only ten teams playing the traditional format of the game. He noted that T20 cricket is just an exhibition but Test cricket is a real game.
Lloyd emphasized the need for a system that ensured all teams played Test cricket regularly, rather than singling out lower-ranked Test teams in favor of shorter formats of the game. The issue gained momentum ahead of a crucial meeting between ICC President Jay Shah, Cricket AustraliaMike Baird, Richard Thompson of the ECB and BCCI officials later this month.
They will meet to address the future of Test cricket amid the growing dominance of T20 leagues. Reacting to the reports, Lloyd expressed concern that Test cricket is being treated as secondary, saying that red-ball cricket is the ultimate challenge for players and remains the best format for pure cricket lovers .
I don't see there being a two tier system: Clive Lloyd
Clive Lloyd was quoted by IANS as saying, “Well, I don't see a two-tier system (happening). I am very disturbed by this and hope that something has been done and that it must be stopped now. We are not talking about 30 or 40 cricket teams – there are ten teams. We should be able to have a system where everyone should play cricket often.”
The West Indies added: “Test cricket is still one of the most popular games to play in terms of cricket. But we seem to be putting it aside and I don't think that's good at all. We have to have a better system. We have to sit down and train and not just say T20 is the thing. Not everyone wants to watch T20 cricket – we want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an exhibition while Test cricket is an examination.
Clive Lloyd calls for better ICC support for lower-ranked teams
The former West Indies captain noted that a two-tier system would not allow for the kind of cricket that has been played over the years, as lower-ranked teams will play in a second tier. He stressed that teams can only improve by playing against better opposition, saying: “You can't play each other in a lower league and get there.”
Lloyd called for a better system for lower-ranked teams and more money for financially weak teams so they can get the tools to improve. He signed off by saying: “It will be terrible for all those countries who have worked so hard to get to Test match status and now they will be playing each other in the lower division with relegation and promotion all around it.”