Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland has backed ICC’s plan to revamp the ODI and Test cricket.
In its recently concluded annual meeting at Edinburgh, ICC discussed on several major issues and proposed changes to Test and ODI cricket was the biggest talking point. The ICC is planning to introduce a two-tier Test system and an ODI championship. The two-tier Test system will see seven teams in the top tier and five in the bottom. However, the idea to revamp cricket has not gone down too well with the smaller nations and they have opposed the move.
“This will spell the death of international cricket as we’ve known it. The more we play against competitive sides, the better we’ll get. Such a step would undo the development of cricket in our country,” Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Ahmed Sazzadul Alam said.
“It’s going to be a tragedy if you are growing up in a country like Zimbabwe or Bangladesh. It means you might never get the opportunity to play with top tier sides. That might drive players to go and seek greener pastures,”said former Zimbabwe batsman Alistair Campbell.
However, Sutherland said that change is the only way forward.
“Test cricket is the oldest most traditional form of international cricket,” he said.
“It is highly valued and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. But we cannot hide from the realities of modern day cricket, which sees three formats of international cricket and thriving domestic Twenty20 leagues.
“We are very supportive of a Test Championship and league structure that will drive significant additional interest in Test cricket series,” he added.
“One-day cricket continues to be important and the recent World Cup in Australia and New Zealand highlighted to us again just how powerful context is in driving fan support and interest,” he said.
“In between World Cups though there is an opportunity for cricket to create a genuine league that includes a World Cup qualification process, ensuring that every ODI match counts toward something meaningful.”
While nothing was finalised in Edinburgh, Sutherland said that the meeting was positive.However, a workshop at ICC’s headquarters in Dubai in September will see more discussion on the issue.
“Now is the time for cricket to work collectively on a detailed plan to ensure the sport retains popularity with future generations in a rapidly changing and competitive world.
“We need to continue to be a sport of choice for all men and women, boys, and girls of all backgrounds, all over the world.
“We are keen to see that cricket enjoys growth in both interest and popularity, not just in traditional markets, but also in developing cricket nations,” he added.