In a few years, we might not even get to watch the Ashes. The England vs India Test rivalry? That too might not survive beyond the next World Test Championship cycle. Sounds dramatic? Well, it is. But these are the big questions that have the England Cricket Board genuinely worried. Let me explain what’s going on.
Basically, the ICC is planning a major revamp of the World Test Championship starting in July 2027. And the biggest proposed change is the introduction of a two-tier system, where relegation could play a huge role. That’s exactly what the ECB is opposing.
And here’s the scary bit: If a big team like England hits a bad patch — which lately feels more like reality than just a possibility — they could get relegated to Division Two. Which would mean they might not be in the same division as Australia or India. In other words: no Ashes, no India vs England blockbusters, because those teams won’t even be in the same league.
Now look, Test cricket today still thrives largely because of its historic rivalries. If those get taken away… the future doesn’t look too bright.
ECB chairman Richard Thompson said, "There are a lot of options that we've got to look at - tiers would be one of them," he said. "We wouldn't want, as England, we may go through a follow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don't play Australia and India? That couldn't happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here."
That said, the ICC has a point too. They want the World Test Championship to mean something, not just act like a glorified schedule filler. And a two-tier system would definitely raise the stakes.
The problem? Time is running out. Cricket boards are already locking in their Test tour plans for the next cycle. Media rights tenders also need to be floated soon. So yeah — the ICC doesn’t have much time to make a decision.
Buckle up. Test cricket’s future might just be heading into its biggest Test yet.
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