Pakistan have pushed back strongly against the ICC’s proposed two-tier system for Test cricket, arguing that the format should not be reduced to an exclusive club of elite nations. Their stance comes at a time when their own Test record has been under scrutiny, and the prospect of being placed outside the top bracket is hard to ignore.
The ICC’s working group, led by Sanjog Gupta, is considering splitting the World Test Championship (WTC) into two divisions of six teams each from 2027 onwards. Under the current rankings, Australia, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka would form Division One, leaving Pakistan, ranked seventh, in Division Two alongside the likes of the West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan.
PCB bats for developing nations
Sources within the PCB told CricketPakistan that they are against any structure that limits opportunities for lower-ranked sides. “Cricket is not the property of just a few powerful nations,” a senior official said. “If you isolate teams like Bangladesh or West Indies from playing top-tier opponents, how will they ever improve?”
While the PCB is hopeful of climbing the rankings before the change takes effect, the board maintains it is speaking for all emerging cricketing nations. “Even if we make Division One, what about the rest? This isn’t just about Pakistan. It’s about keeping Test cricket alive beyond five or six countries,” the official added.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
