January 10, 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow has stated that the proposal for a two-tier system in Test cricket has not yet been brought up at either the regional board level or the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he also holds a seat.
While he disagrees with claims that Test cricket is dying, Dr. Shallow emphasized his openness to ideas that could improve the sport.
In his comments, Dr. Shallow made it clear that he does not hold an opinion on the two-tier system due to the lack of complete details on the matter.
He explained that the proposal has not been formally discussed within the necessary forums.
The two-tier system, first proposed in Australia, suggests that the top tier would include cricketing powerhouses India, Australia, and England, alongside South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.
The second tier would consist of West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
If the proposal is approved, it could come into effect after the current Future Tours Programme concludes in 2027.
While Dr. Shallow and CWI Cricket Director Miles Bascombe have refrained from forming an opinion on the matter until more thorough discussions are held, the idea has faced criticism.
West Indies cricket legend and World Cup-winning captain Clive Lloyd has voiced his concerns, stating that such a system would severely impact cricket in the West Indies and threaten the region’s longstanding contribution to the sport.
Dr. Shallow maintained that any decision made must take into account the realities of global cricket and the long-term health of Test cricket.