The proposal to introduce a two-tier system in Test cricket sparked a strong reaction from West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, who criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for trying to kill the spirit of the game and undermine emerging Test playing nations. .
Clive Lloyd believes the proposed model would undermine the essence of granting Test status to emerging teams, and is concerned that pushing these teams down to the lower division will only limit their chances of competing at the highest level of red-ball cricket.
West Indies legend Clive Lloyd opposes ICC's plan for two-tier Test cricket
The former West Indies captain expressed shock at the idea, stressing that Test cricket must remain inclusive, especially with only ten teams playing the traditional format of the game. He pointed out that T20 cricket is just an exhibition, but Test cricket is a real game.
Lloyd stressed the need for a system that would ensure that all teams played Test cricket regularly, rather than sidelining lower-ranked Test teams in favor of shorter formats of the game. The issue has gained momentum ahead of a crucial meeting between ICC President Jay Shah, Australian Cricket Team representative Mike Baird, European Central Bank President Richard Thompson, and BCCI officials later this month.
They will come together to address the future of Test cricket amid the increasing dominance of T20 leagues. Responding to the reports, Lloyd expressed concerns about Test cricket being treated as secondary, saying red-ball cricket represents the ultimate challenge for players and remains the best format for pure cricket fans.
I don't see a two-tier system happening: Clive Lloyd
“Well, I don't see a two-tier system (happening),” Clive Lloyd was quoted as saying by IANS. I am very upset about this and I hope something is done and it stops now. We are not talking about 30 or 40 cricket teams, but ten. We should be able to have a system where everyone should play cricket more often.
The West Indies great added: “Test cricket is still one of the most popular games as far as cricket is concerned. But we seem to be putting it to the side, and I don't think that's a good thing at all. We have to have a better system. We have to sit down and practice and not We're just saying T20 is the right thing not everyone wants to watch T20 cricket – we want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an exhibition, while Test cricket is a Test.
Clive Lloyd calls for better support from the ICC for lower-ranked teams
The former West Indies captain noted that the two-tier system would not allow the type of cricket that has been played over the years because lower-ranked teams would play in the second tier. He stressed that teams can only improve by playing against a better competitor, saying: “You cannot play among yourselves in a lower league and go up there.”
Lloyd demanded a better system for lower-ranked teams and more money for financially weak teams so they could have the tools to improve. “It would be terrible for all those countries that 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 around it,” he signed off.