BCCI OPPOSED THE PROPOSAL OF TWO-TIER TEST SYSTEM

BCCI not willing to reform the whole structure of the association as planned by Lodha panel.

Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur totally opposed the proposal of Two-Tire Test system to protect the smaller nations. The statement was opposed by Bangladesh Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket but Australian and New Zealand Cricket Boards supported Thakur’s move.

“The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests.” Said Thakur to the New Indian Express.

The proposal of Two-Tire Test system was to chop Test cricket in two halves-  with seven countries in one half and five in the other which will include two new countries. This idea was suggested at the ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh. David Richardson, ICC’s chief executive  told “Unless we can give some meaning to these series beyond the rankings and a trophy, then interest in Test cricket will continue to waver.” He also added “The same applies if we allow uncompetitive Test cricket to take place too often.”

Sri Lanka Cricket calmly asked about the financial system of of Two-Tire Test where as Bangladesh Cricket Board thought that they will no longer be in top team list. 

“If we didn’t play against better-standard sides in ODIs, we wouldn’t have come this far. We were given a reality check when we were promoted to the highest level. I feel that if we go backwards, our cricket will regress.” Said BCB vice-president Mahbubul Anam.

Regarding the disadvantage of Two-Tire Test system, Anurag Thakur commented “In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don’t want that to happen. We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries”.