POWER GAMES

BCCI unlikely to give assent to two-tier structure for Test nations

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BCCI believes smaller member nations of the ICC stand to lose further with the two-tier system © Cricbuzz

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) proposal to establish a two-tier structure for Test-playing nations, which has been vehemently opposed by the Indian cricket board (BCCI), did not come up for discussion on Day One of ICC's governing body's meeting in Dubai on Tuesday (September 6).

The proposal for this radical rejigging of Test cricket was listed right at the top of the agenda for the two-day ICC meet but informed sources told TOI the matter is unlikely to come up on Day Two either. There was very strong indication at the end of meeting that the idea has already died a quick death despite receiving clear support from Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket South Africa and even the Pakistan Cricket Board. The reason? The BCCI, a strong critic of the proposal since the idea was first floated, put its foot down.

TOI had reported last week that the BCCI was not in the least bit convinced about how a two-tier Test structure for a body with just 10 Test-playing nations would help the game, if not worsen the scenario for minnows like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka Cricket, which along with Zimbabwe and Bangladesh supported the BCCI's stance, sent out an official statement on Tuesday evening thanking the BCCI for taking a stand in opposing the ICC proposal.

"This is an idea that should've been blocked at the entry level in the first place. I've always been of the view that BCCI, given its standing as a global leader in the game, should keep the best interests of all cricket boards in mind, especially the smaller nations. There is another day of the ICC meeting to go and I'm hoping that keeping in mind the overall interest of the game and its stakeholders - big or small- this matter won't be discussed further," BCCI president Anurag Thakur told TOI.

The idea of a two-tier Test structure was first proposed in the backdrop of a major TV rights shake-up aimed at having all member boards of the ICC to place their telecast rights for home series in overseas markets in a common pool to be sold collectively, and for the profits to be then distributed with certain dividends.

What is surprising in this course of developments is that ICC's independent chairman Shashank Manohar, who had gone out of his way to undertake a rollback of the Big Three structure, is now heading the body that is proposing this two-tier structure. Interestingly, this push for a two-tier Test structure is coming at a time when the England and the Australian cricket boards are looking forward to renewing their respective television rights. Market sources predict how, going further, the two boards don't see continuity in the present valuation they draw from broadcast rights and fear a bigger meltdown, hence the proposal to rejig the format.

"That way , all overseas rights for home series will be in one pool and the spoils are bigger. For instance, the 2018 India's tour of England. The rights haven't been picked up yet. Now, where does ECB earn from? Home series and when India tours. So, do the math," a source close to developments said. The ICC, meanwhile, could be left biting the bullet. Given the growing domination of domestic T20 leagues, they find the onus on them to retain some or any sort of control. The rejigging of the Test format, in the backdrop of its dwindling fortunes, is what they want now.

What ICC wants?

A revamped structure with two divisions in Test cricket - made up of seven and five teams - that will involve promotion and relegation.

What BCCI says?

With such a small number of Test playing nations, such a move will spell further doom for smaller cricket countries. Test nations will be forced to play each other regardless of the popularity of their contests or rivalrly. For example, if India and Pakistan were in the top tier, their chances of playing a bilateral series would depend largely on the political scenario. A no-show would result in forfeiting points.

Boards in favour

Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan.

Boards Against

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe

Boards Undecided

West Indies

FICA and more

International cricket players' union, FICA, revealed that 72% of players who responded to a survey suggested that they wanted divisional Test competition in place to give series more context. However, there are source-based allegations that FICA is under pressure from boards like CA and CSA.

What's at stake for ICC?

With growing domination of T20 leagues and 50-over cricket becoming the second-most popular format, ICC may fear losing grip on member boards. A two-tier structure with a new revenue model could help them pull things together.

What's the proposed revenue model?

A major TV rights shake-up aimed at having all member boards to place their telecast rights for home series in overseas markets in a common pool to be sold collectively and for profits to be distributed equally with dividends.

© TNN