What is the two-tier Test cricket system proposed by Ravi Shastri to protect the longest format?

Ravi Shastri has proposed a two-tier system to protect Test cricket from the rapid rise of the T20 format which is quickly becoming the most preferred among the fans. The longest format of the game, Test cricket, has witnessed a drop in enthusiasm among the fans and cricket board alike in the last few years with many nations opting to play just two-match series.

The biggest threat is from T20 cricket which provides unmatched excitement and there’s always something happening in the game. In comparison, Test cricket has phases that can also be termed as dull. However, there have been some exciting results in Tests recently including underdogs West Indies’ win over Australia at the Gabba which has generated interest among the fans, but the length of the game in modern-day is still felt as a stumbling block.

Former India all-rounder and head coach, Ravi Shastri, in a recent symposium organised by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) proposed a two-tier system in Test cricket for the 12 Full-Member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to keep the matches competitive.

As per Shastri, the teams can be divided into two different tiers with each having six teams which will ensure consistent competitive matches between relatively stronger teams.

“When you don’t have quality, that is when the ratings drop, there are fewer people in the crowd, its meaningless cricket, which is the last thing sport wants,” Shastri said at MCC’s event World Cricket Connects on Sunday.

Shastri has also proposed a promotion-relegation system to ensure that the best-performing teams from the lower tier also have an opportunity to compete with the best sides.

“You have 12 Test match teams. Bring it down to six or seven and have promotion and relegation system,” he added. “You can have two tiers but let the top six keep playing to sustain the interest in Test cricket.”

The 62-year-old said T20 cricket should be used as the vehicle to spread the game across the globe.

“You can spread the game in other formats, like T20,” he added.

Former Australia batter and coach Justin Langer was also part of the symposium and he said that international cricket needs to be protected amid the rise of franchise T20 leagues.

He gave an example of the West Indies beating Australia at the Gabba and the interest that it generated.

“…it had Australia enthralled and it brought the Caribbean to life,” Langer said.

“Last week we saw a million people turn up to see India celebrated for winning the World Cup.