The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially dismissed speculation about dividing Test cricket into two separate tiers, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the traditional format’s unified global structure. The decision follows weeks of debate among cricket boards and former players over how to balance competitiveness and commercial viability in the longest format of the game.
Rumors of a two-tier Test system — with stronger teams in the top division and emerging nations in a lower division — had sparked concern that it would marginalize smaller cricketing nations. However, ICC officials have clarified that while reforms are being discussed to make Test cricket more engaging, no such division is on the table.
“Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, and we are focused on strengthening it without compromising inclusivity,” an ICC spokesperson said. “Our goal is to ensure all full-member nations have equal opportunities to compete and develop.”
Instead, the ICC plans to continue promoting the World Test Championship (WTC) as the central framework for Test cricket, with improvements in scheduling, marketing, and fan engagement under review.
The decision has been welcomed by several cricket boards, including those of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and West Indies, who feared exclusion from top-tier fixtures under a two-division model. Former players also hailed the move as a victory for the spirit of the game, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Test cricket’s global integrity and historical value.
While shorter formats like T20 and franchise leagues continue to dominate revenues, the ICC reiterated that Test cricket remains “the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and character” — a heritage it intends to protect.
