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

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

Clive Lloyd believes that the proposed model undermines the essence of granting probationary status to emergents. teamsand he worries that pushing these teams into the lower division would only limit their opportunities to compete at the highest level in red-ball cricket.

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

The former West Indies captain expressed surprise at the idea, stressing that Test cricket should remain inclusive, especially with only ten teams playing the traditional format of the game. He pointed out that T20 cricket is just an exhibition but Test cricket is a 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 has gathered 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 address the future of Test cricket amid the growing dominance of T20 leagues. Reacting to the reports, Lloyd expressed concern over Test cricket being treated as secondary, saying that red-ball cricket represents the ultimate challenge for players and remains the best format for lovers of pure cricket.

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

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

The West Indies great added: “Test cricket is still one of the most popular games in terms of cricket. But we seem to be putting it aside, and I don’t think it’s very good. We need to have a better system .We have to sit down and not just say T20 is the thing, we want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an examination .

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Clive Lloyd calls for better ICC support for lower-level teams

The former West Indies captain pointed out that a two-tier system would not allow the kind of cricket that has been played over the years because lower-ranked teams would play in a second tier. He stressed that teams can only improve by playing better opposition, saying: “You can’t be playing each other in a lower league and move 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 achieve Test match status, and now they will be playing each other in the lower division, with relegation and promotion all around.”