The proposed two-tier structure for Test cricket under the World Test Championship (WTC) is facing increasing backlash from several full-member cricket boards. After opposition from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, England has now officially raised concerns about the divisive idea.
ECB Chairman: “We Don’t Want to End Up in Division Two”
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Richard Thompson voiced his disapproval of the two-division format, emphasizing its potential risks.
“There are many options on the table, and a two-tier system is just one of them,” said Thompson. “We wouldn’t want England to land in Division Two and miss out on playing traditional rivals like Australia and India. That simply cannot happen.”
He added that instead of dividing Test cricket, improvements should focus on scheduling and maintaining a healthy balance between red-ball and white-ball bilateral series. Thompson believes that refining the existing format may eliminate the need for a split.
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Cricket Australia Offers Conditional Support
On the other side of the debate, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg showed conditional support for the two-tier model, though with caution.
“The real challenge is identifying what role we want to play in the future of Test cricket,” Greenberg said. “If a two-tier structure helps strengthen countries like the West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan, then I would support it. But if it fails to deliver that purpose, I wouldn’t.”
Revenue Concerns and Risk of Isolation
Many full-member boards are worried that being relegated to Division Two could mean losing their share of ICC revenue and falling out of elite cricket circles. Smaller cricketing nations fear they may be left behind, unable to draw big crowds or generate sponsorships without regular matches against top-tier teams.
ICC Forms Working Group to Reassess WTC Structure
In response to the growing division, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has established a working group, led by New Zealand’s Rogers Towse, to evaluate and propose improvements for the next WTC cycle. The group will assess all potential models, including the controversial two-tier format, and explore how to make the championship more competitive and inclusive.
