Published: Sep 09, 2016, 12:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 09, 2016, 12:57 PM (IST)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) proposed two-tier Test cricket system, after receiving mixed reviews, has been shelved and West Indies great Sir Viv Richards has opined that the idea does not hold right as there are not enough cricket teams in the world who play the longest format of the game. Talking about the proposal, Richards spoke about how West Indies had dominated in the game at one point of time but never gave up playing the underdogs, which helped the game where it is currently. Surprisingly, West Indies agreed to ICC’s proposal while teams like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh opposed the idea. READ MORE: Two-tier Test cricket: All you need to know
Talking to Cricbuzz, Richards said, “I do not think we have enough teams in world cricket playing at a consistently high level for the two-tier structure to come into effect. If it happens, then there will be only be a few countries playing each other at the top. People must remember that many of these strong teams at present were weak once upon a time, India included. The great West Indies team used to beat them within three days at times.
“But we didn’t stop playing them. So the contribution of West Indies made to world cricket cannot be denied. It needs to be remembered now when we are on our knees and the tables have turned. We need all the help to get us back where we once were, and two-tier Test proposal is not necessarily the way to do it.”
He also spoke about the prompt change in Test rankings.
“It is certainly beneficial for Test cricket, and it is nice to have competition because it makes the sport healthy. When you have such intense competition, you get an idea where you are as a team, and it helps you improve even further. I thought Pakistan played well in England, and they have done well in the UAE against the best teams. Australia have had a hiccup in Sri Lanka, and I think England are in the mix too.
“Of course, it is a pity that India didn’t get a full game in Port of Spain and couldn’t enhance their ranking. But look at the positive side – they can do it on home soil in their next Test series (against New Zealand). It would be a perfect opportunity for them in my opinion, and doing it in front of their fans, it will help Test cricket’s representation among the spectators. It will help bring more people in through the gates, which is what you want in the end,” said the legendary player.
