Proposal to introduce two-tier system in Test cricket sparks backlash west indies Legend Clive Lloyd has slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for trying to kill the spirit of the game and undermine emerging Test-playing nations.

Clive Lloyd believes proposed model would undermine the essence of granting testing status to emerging markets teamHe fears that pushing these teams into lower leagues will only limit their chances at the highest level of red-ball cricket.

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

The former West Indies captain expressed his shock at the idea and stressed that Test cricket should remain inclusive, especially with only ten teams competing in the traditional format. He pointed out that T20 cricket is just an exhibition match 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 excluding lower-ranked Test teams in favor of a shorter format. The issue has developed ahead of a crucial meeting between International Cricket Federation president Jay Shah and cricketers. AustraliaLater this month, the meeting will be attended by the ECB’s Mike Baird, the ECB’s Richard Thompson and BCCI officials.

They will come together to discuss the future of Test cricket amid the increasing dominance of T20 leagues. Responding to the reports, Lloyd expressed his concerns about Test cricket being seen as secondary, saying red-ball cricket represents the ultimate challenge for players and remains the best format for pure cricket lovers.

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

IANS quoted Clive Lloyd as saying: “Well, I don’t see the two-tier system (happening). I’m very disturbed by it and I hope something is done and this has to stop immediately behavior. We are not talking about 30 or 40 cricket teams, we should be able to build a system where everyone should play cricket regularly.

The West Indies great added: “Test cricket is still one of the most popular competitions as far as cricket is concerned. But we seem to be putting that aside and I don’t think that’s good at all. We have to have A better system. We have to sit down and look at it and not just say T20 is what it is – we want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an exhibition match. And Test cricket is a test.”

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Clive Lloyd asks ICC to provide better support to lower-ranked teams

The former West Indies captain pointed out that the two-tier system would not allow for cricket to be played over the years as lower-ranked teams would play in the second tier. He stressed that teams can only improve by playing better opponents, saying: “You can’t play each other in a lower league and move up there.”

Lloyd called for a better system for lower-ranked teams and more money for financially weaker teams so they can have improved tools. He concluded: “It will be terrible for all those countries who struggled to qualify for Test matches and now they will be competing against each other in the lower divisions and around relegation and promotion.”