ICC reopens discussions on two-tier Test cricket with BCCI, ECB, and CA

India, Australia, and England are reportedly in discussions to establish a two-tier system for Test cricket, with the aim of increasing the frequency of high-profile series between these "Big Three" nations.

The proposal has gained momentum after the record attendance of 837,879 spectators at the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reflecting the significant fan following these countries enjoy.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), led by chairman Jay Shah, is reportedly taking the proposal seriously. According to The Age, Shah, alongside Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird and England Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson, is set to meet later this month to further discuss the two-tier structure.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed support for the idea, advocating for more regular matchups between top teams to keep Test cricket competitive and thriving. Shastri criticized the current "cluttered" schedule and emphasized the importance of more frequent contests among the top sides to maintain excitement in the format.

Under the proposed system, the top division would consist of seven teams: South Africa, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, while the second division would include West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe.

This two-tier model was first proposed in 2016 but was opposed by smaller cricketing nations, who feared it would diminish their standing in Test cricket. The plan was also rejected by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the time, with then-BCCI president Anurag Thakur asserting that it would harm the interests of smaller cricketing nations.

Despite previous resistance, the proposal is gaining traction again, as cricket's leading nations seek more competitive encounters in the longest format.