World Test Championship: ECB worried about losing Marki Clash on a two-level test model. Cricket news

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is not in favor of the two-Division World Test Championship (WTC), especially if it is being placed in a separate division from Australia or India. This may mean that two of his largest and most profitable rivals. Last month, ICC formed a work group led by former New Zealand batsman Roger Twos to find out ways to improve WTC from the 2027 cycle. One of the main ideas discussed at the ICC annual meeting in July was two-tier structure. Twos, who seated on the ICC board from New Zealand Cricket, is expected to make formal recommendations soon. A level testing system is considered for more than 15 years. While ICC has shown interest by 2009, its members are divided on models.

During the early day of the fifth test at the Oval, ECB President Richard Thompson shared his views on the BBC Test match special. He said that the value of bilateral cricket was falling due to a pack calendar dominated by the T20 league, which has hurt Test cricket in most countries. Accepting that the ICC is considering a two-level model, he admitted that this could not be an ideal solution. Thompson said, “There are many options on the table. Tier is one of them. But if there is a dip in England, it means that we have fallen into Division Two and do not play India or Australia? It should not happen. We need to implement some general knowledge.” He felt that the current WTC format could be improved instead. He pointed to South Africa’s amazing victory in the 2023–25 cycle, a great example of how the underdog teams can grow with the right banking. “WTC has helped to create a legend and couple meaning. It was powerful to see South Africa’s victory. I know how much people like Graeme Smith, and they were shown to see in tears on outfield. It was meant. Despite my criticism of his ‘B’ team against New Zealand, his victory was still good for the game.” Thompson said that instead of completely changing the format, the scheduling of matches required a reconsideration. He also flagged off the complications that would be part of the Cricket Olympics in 2028. “We will face challenges when our best players need to stay in Los Angeles in mid -July. It will need to be a factor in the calendar.”

The composition of the WTC Working Group is still not clear, but reports suggest that an eight-member committee can be formed, including representatives of non-test countries. Sanjog Gupta, CEO of the new ICC, is also expected to join. The bilateral chain is already being discussed for the 2027–29 cycles and media rights tenders, under pressure to make ICC WTC more effective. Nevertheless, resistance remains more. Full member countries have long been divided over the idea. Some people are afraid of financial loss, others worry about national pride, and some completely reject the concept. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, another important voice in the debate, believes that big countries should support small people in keeping Test cricket alive. Talking to Sen Radio, he said that a strong West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa are in the interest of all. “Those countries cannot do it alone. We all need to help. I have spoken to several board CEOs and a shared understanding that some changes are required to bring more value to test cricket.” Greenberg said that it is only open for two-tier thoughts only when it actually helps to strengthen small countries. “If it gives them more resources and opportunities, I will support it. But if it hurts them, I will not.” He mentioned that recently during a meeting in Singapore, Chief Executive Officer of ICC, many others expressed the same wish to find a positive route.