Australian legend Ian Chappell has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling it an “event management company” that fails to effectively manage cricket. Ian Chappell urged the ICC to focus on the game’s proper administration and advocated for the implementation of a two-tier system in Tests.
As per reports, a two-division system in Test cricket could be introduced after the current Future Tours Program concludes in 2027. This structure would allow the “big three” teams – Australia, England, and India – to compete against each other twice every three years, rather than playing twice every four years.
The ICC Is Widely Regarded as an Event Management Company – Ian Chappell
In his column for ESPNCricinfo, Ian Chappell called for stricter criteria for granting Test status. He said that the ICC should ensure that a nation “has a viable first-class competition, legitimate grounds for holding five-day games with adequate facilities, and is financially stable,” using Afghanistan as an example.
Chappell questioned their ability to host Test matches due to ongoing political instability and inadequate infrastructure. He also pointed out that Ireland lacks sufficient Test-standard venues. Chappell labeled the ICC as an “event management company,” adding that it isn’t even a competent one.
“For instance, could Afghanistan hold a Test series in their strife-torn country? Does Ireland have a realistic number of Test-standard grounds? Even setting aside the Taliban’s reprehensible treatment of women, the answer to those questions is: absolutely not. Then why do they have Test status?” Chappell wrote.
“Because in return for Test status they provide valuable ICC votes on important issues. The ICC is widely regarded as an event management company. They should add “and not a very good one,” he added.
The Big Three Claim a Large Slice of the Money – Ian Chappell
Chappell backed Michael Holding’s opposition to the proposed two-tier Test cricket system but highlighted concerns about its potential to widen the financial gap between member nations. He noted that the “big three” – India, Australia, and England – have to play more Tests against each other.
“The ICC doesn’t run cricket, and unless there’s a major change of heart, the financially desirable nations will continue to have a huge say in producing a self-serving schedule. Then there’s the major issue of the financial split,” Chappell wrote.
“The big three – India, Australia and England – despite being the wealthiest cricket nations claim a large slice of the money divided among cricket bodies, and yet they agitate for an even larger share. India’s powerful presence in the ICC is in direct proportion to their contribution of around 70% of cricket’s income. It’s a complex issue to which cricket hasn’t found a workable solution,” he added.
There’s Been a Large Increase in Test Match Results – Ian Chappell
The 81-year-old pointed out that teams now favor fast-scoring batters to meet the demand for entertaining cricket. Chappell noted the increase in Test match results and the improvement of pitches, adding that Test cricket has done well to remain relevant in the modern era.
“There’s been a large increase in Test match results and more acceptable pitches, highlighting the importance of bowlers in producing a good spectacle. There’s also greater emphasis on playing entertaining cricket. Despite facing various challenges, Test cricket does a creditable job of keeping the format relevant,” he concluded.
Also read: Richard Illingworth named ICC Umpire of the Year 2024
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