Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been contemplating a two-tier system for Test cricket for over a decade. In 2004, then General Manager David Richardson hoped to implement it by 2019, but objections from India and other countries who feared relegation delayed its implementation.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opposed the plan, arguing that it would diminish the popularity and development of the game. Instead, the World Test Championship was introduced in 2014, but it was criticized for its lack of context.Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently reignited the two-tier plan, suggesting that it would reduce mismatched games between teams with vastly different resources. He proposed dividing the six top-ranked teams into one group and the remaining six into another, with the teams shuffled after two years.This pragmatic plan would achieve several benefits:* More tours among non-elite teams: It would encourage tours between countries beyond the top six, fostering the development of the game globally.* Rationalized calendar: It would allow for more flexibility in scheduling Test series outside the World Test Championship cycle, such as the Ashes or India-Pakistan series.* Financial support for struggling teams: The ICC has established a special fund of $10 million to assist financially strapped countries, ensuring that they can continue to participate in Test cricket.The two-tier system would address the concerns raised by India and other countries. By dividing the teams into two groups, it would eliminate the risk of relegation for the top teams. Additionally, the special fund would provide financial support to ensure that all Test-playing nations have the resources to compete.The time has come for Test cricket to embrace a two-tier system. It would promote competition, foster the development of the game, and ensure the financial viability of Test cricket for all nations.

In the realm of sports, the concept of the strong aiding the weak holds profound significance. While some argue that sport is merely an artificial construct, we imbue it with our ideals, transforming the seemingly meaningless into something transformative when backed by an ethical purpose.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently proposed a plan to address the disparity between the "haves" (India, England, Australia) and the "have-nots" (the rest) in Test cricket. This plan involves establishing a special fund to support nine Test-playing nations, ensuring they have the resources to sustain their red-ball game and provide decent compensation to players.Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has suggested a fund of five to ten million dollars. The distribution and contribution mechanisms are yet to be finalized. Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, who raised the issue earlier this year, may have been responding to criticism from former Australian captain Steve Waugh about the lack of support for the game.Franchise cricket has created a vast wealth gap among cricketers, leaving the less fortunate behind. The plan aims to ensure that each Test player receives a minimum of ten thousand dollars per Test (excluding the top three players), and that cricket boards struggling for funds receive a boost.However, the psychological implications of this plan remain uncertain. The "Big Three" may demand concessions in return for their support. Additionally, there is a risk of creating a slippery slope, where countries with corrupt boards may exploit the fund to avoid investing in their own game and players.India's involvement in this plan is significant, as they receive nearly 40% of the ICC's global revenue. Yet, the Big Three need the support of Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and others, as without their participation, Test cricket would be reduced to a three-team affair.The recent summit at Lord's highlighted the urgent need to address the decline of Test cricket. Unless action is taken, it could be restricted to six countries in four years. West Indies, once a dominant force, now struggles to field a competitive team, with many players opting for lucrative franchise leagues like the IPL.Indian franchise owners are increasingly acquiring English county teams, raising concerns about the future of world cricket. It is not difficult to imagine a scenario where the game is run by Indian businessmen and marketing managers rather than cricketers and politicians.As Adam Smith observed, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest." World cricket may be at a crossroads. The new fund could revitalize Test cricket, or it could prove to be a futile investment. But it is a chance worth taking.

Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), believes that the West Indies' successful bio-secure tour of England in 2020 can serve as a catalyst for a more equitable revenue-sharing model in Test cricket. Grave's comments come after he previously criticized the current system as "completely broken."Speaking at the inaugural World Cricket Connects symposium, Grave emphasized the importance of competitive balance and financial support for less financially secure cricket nations. He cited the West Indies' recent victories against England and their thrilling win at the Gabba in Australia as evidence of their competitiveness.However, Grave also highlighted the financial challenges faced by CWI, particularly in light of their recent tour of Australia, where they reportedly spent $2 million. He called on the "Big Three" of India, England, and Australia to find ways to support the economies of smaller cricket nations, rather than simply sending their own teams on overseas tours.Grave welcomed the suggestion by ECB CEO Richard Gould that touring teams should be paid a fee for their overseas engagements. He believes that such a revenue-sharing model would ensure that all countries have the resources to thrive.Grave also praised India's ongoing T20I series in Zimbabwe, led by Shubman Gill, as an example of the BCCI's commitment to the global game. However, he emphasized that the BCCI cannot do more than it already does and that other countries need to step up.Grave acknowledged the role that West Indies played in "keeping the lights on" for English cricket during the COVID-19 pandemic by agreeing to play three Tests behind closed doors in 2020. He believes that this experience demonstrated the importance of collaboration and the need for a balanced international game.Despite the West Indies' disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup, Grave expressed optimism about the team's future. He highlighted the balance that CWI has struck between international commitments and allowing players to participate in franchise leagues.Grave emphasized the significance of the upcoming Test series against England, particularly the first Test at Lord's. He believes that a strong performance in this series will be a testament to the team's development and will help them announce themselves to the English audience.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a generous reward of Rs. 125 crore for the victorious Indian team after their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, amidst the celebrations, calls have emerged to extend financial support to former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently battling blood cancer.Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987. He also served as India's head coach during two spells in the late 1990s. During his first stint, India finished runners-up to New Zealand in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (later known as the Champions Trophy).Former BCCI chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil, who played alongside Gaekwad, has been vocal in urging the BCCI to provide financial assistance. Patil revealed that he had a conversation with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar regarding the issue and received assurances of support."Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed," Patil wrote in his column on Mid-Day. "I'm sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu's life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu's case must be taken up on priority and treated as paramount."Patil also highlighted the fact that Sachin Tendulkar had been in his best form during Gaekwad's tenure as head coach. "Sachin Tendulkar was at his peak during Anshuman Gaekwad's tenure as coach," Patil wrote. "He was the one who gave Sachin the freedom to play his natural game."Gaekwad is currently receiving treatment at the King's College Hospital in London. His condition is said to be stable, but he requires ongoing medical care. The BCCI has previously provided financial support to Gaekwad, but more is needed to cover his ongoing expenses.The calls for financial assistance to Gaekwad have resonated with the Indian cricket fraternity. Former players and fans have expressed their support and urged the BCCI to step up and provide the necessary assistance.