Bangladesh is the only country against two-tier Test structure

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed the two-tier Test system. It is ICC’s attempt to revamp Test cricket that struggles to draw crowds in most competing nations. Top cricketing nations will be divided into two divisions. The top seven Test nations will compete in division one for the title of world Test championship. They would compete against one another (home or away) in series of a minimum of three Tests each throughout each two-year period.

The second tier would be expanded to five teams (with inclusion in that division earned by the best performed associate nations).

According to the reports Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan is not in favor of the decision. Bangladesh is believed to be the only country against it. During the ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh, the subject was discussed in the chief executive’s committee (CEC) meeting.

“Bangladesh was the only country to oppose this idea in the [CEC] meeting, where we explained our position,” Hassan said. “But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who has opposed it and who hasn’t.”

He also added that it has to be decided via a vote by the Full Members. Which makes it tougher to be passed.

“The decision will be taken through a vote, so if one or two do not vote, it doesn’t really matter. But I don’t think it will be easy to get this passed at the ICC. The issue isn’t so [simple]. It is a tough process.”

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The reason behind Bangladesh’s opposition:

The main reason why Bangladesh is against this is because they are ranked 9th in the ICC rankings. Which means that they are likely to be slip into Division Two. BCB vice-president Mahbubul Anam and directors Ahmed Sajjadul Alam and Tanjil Chowdhury had previously said that they weren’t against the proposed system.

In a press release, ICC chief executive said that this is “an unprecedented opportunity” to create more context for bilateral matches.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for our sport to introduce a package of bilateral international cricket structures, which are merit and performance based, have context, enhance the value of bilateral international cricket and create a highly competitive environment for cricketers so they can provide more entertainment to spectators,” he said.

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“The Member countries acknowledge and recognize the importance of international cricket across all its three formats and are committed to ensuring that it continues to grow in relevance and value for cricket fans around the world.”

“This is a complex issue on many levels, but I am heartened by the progress that has been made to date and during these meetings.”

The ICC press release also added that a workshop is to be scheduled in Dubai in September. The flaws in the two-tier Test idea will also be discussed there.