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Clive Lloyd slams ICC’s two-tier proposal for Test cricket, calls it a threat to the game


The proposal to introduce a two-tier system in Test cricket has provoked a sharp reaction West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, who criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for trying to kill the spirit of the game and undermine fledgling Test-playing nations.

Clive Lloyd believes that the proposed model would undermine the essence of granting test status to new companies teamsand is concerned that pushing these teams into a lower division would only limit their opportunities to compete at the highest level in red cricket.

West Indies legend Clive Lloyd opposes ICC’s plan for two-tier Test cricket

The former West Indies captain expressed shock at the idea, stressing that Test cricket should remain inclusive, especially with only ten teams playing the traditional format of the game. He noted that T20 cricket is just an exhibition but Test cricket is the real game.

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Lloyd stressed the need for a system that ensures all teams play Test cricket regularly, rather than sidelining lower-ranked Test teams in favor of shorter formats of the game. The issue gained momentum ahead of a crucial meeting between ICC president Jay Shah, cricket AustraliaMike Baird, Richard Thompson of the ECB and BCCI officials later this month.

They will meet to discuss the future of Test cricket amid the growing dominance of the T20 leagues. Reacting to the reports, Lloyd expressed his concern over Test cricket being treated as secondary, saying that red-ball cricket presents the ultimate challenge for players and remains the best format for pure cricket fans.

I don’t see a two-tier system happening: Clive Lloyd

IANS quoted Clive Lloyd as saying, “Well, I don’t see a two-tier system (happening). I am very upset about this and I hope that something is done and that it must be stopped now. We’re not talking about 30 or 40 cricket teams – that’s ten teams. We should have a system where everyone should play cricket often.”

The West Indies great added: “Test cricket is still one of the most popular games to play as far as cricket is concerned. But we seem to be putting it aside and I don’t think that’s good at all. We need to have a better system. We need to sit down and practise. , not just saying T20 is the real thing. Not everyone wants to watch T20 cricket – we want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an exhibition, while Test cricket is an examination.”

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Clive Lloyd demands better ICC support for lower-ranked teams

The former West Indies captain noted that a two-tier system would not allow the kind of cricket that has been played for years as the lower-ranked teams would play in the second division. He stressed that teams can only improve if they play against better opposition, saying: “You can’t play each other in the lower league and go up.”

Lloyd demanded a better system for lower ranked teams and more money for financially weak teams so they could get the tools to improve. He signed off by saying: “It will be terrible for all those countries who have worked so hard to get to Test match status and now they will be playing each other in the lower division, with relegation and promotion around it.”



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