Sri Lankan legend Arjuna Ranatunga has expressed concern over the two-tier structure for Test cricket, while also warning against the proposed restructuring of the Test cricket landscape.
The ‘Big Three’ – India, England and Australia – are reportedly considering introducing a two-tier structure to ensure the three teams play each other more often.
A leading Australian news outlet recently reported that ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah will meet Cricket Australia chief Mike Baird and England Cricket Board chief Richard Thompson later this month to discuss the potential of dividing Test cricket into two divisions .
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Should all three interested parties give the go-ahead, the two-tier structure would be introduced after the current Future Tours program ends in 2027. The new system would allow India, Australia and England to play each other twice every three years. Under the current format, the three teams play each other twice every four years.
The system would also relegate other cricketing nations to secondary status. As a result, teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies and South Africa would be marginalized.
I’ve been saying this for years.. it has to happen… https://t.co/ReH4nKsu13
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 6, 2025
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Arjuna Ranatunga issues a warning:
Although only time will tell how things will unfold in the coming days, Arjuna Ranatunga is not impressed with the plan. The 1996 World Cup winning captain said the move could cause irreparable damage to the game, especially in the smaller nations of cricket. While criticizing the move, Arjuna Ranatunga said the system would only prioritize profit over the integrity of the sport.
“I understand the economics. Such a move will certainly line the pockets of the three boards, but sport is not all about pounds, dollars and rupees. Administrators must nurture and protect the game, not just fatten their coffers,” Ranatunga told Telecom Asia Sport.
Speaking further, he highlighted Shamar Joseph’s performance against Australia last year which helped West Indies register a famous win at the Gabba.
“It’s hard to beat the Aussies at the Gabba, but this guy was sensational. I’m sure even the Australian fans appreciated that display of raw talent. Why would you deny players like him a chance by excluding other nations?” said the Sri Lankan great.
“To run cricket, you don’t necessarily have to be a former player, but you have to understand the spirit of the game – its values and rich history. Unfortunately, when corporations run the show, it’s all about numbers and bottom lines,” he added.
Arjuna Ranatunga’s message for India:
Arjuna Ranatunga also sent a message to India and the BCCI, saying that as a powerhouse of the game, they have a moral obligation to take care of smaller countries. He called on the board for a more inclusive and visionary approach.
“India has always been at the forefront of shaping world cricket. Leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Sharad Pawar and Shashank Manohar had India’s interests at heart but also understood the bigger picture. That is the kind of vision we need from India today – not this inward approach, self-service.
“Cricket is more than a job. It is a sport that unites nations, inspires young talents and creates unforgettable memories. It is the duty of those in power to preserve its essence and not exploit it for short-term gains,” said Arjuna Ranatunga.
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