‘To keep Test cricket relevant’, Ex-England skipper Vaughan backs shake-up
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed strong support for a proposed two-tier structure in Test cricket, aimed at revitalizing the format and ensuring that top teams play each other more frequently. Vaughan’s endorsement comes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) prepares to discuss this initiative, with meetings scheduled for this month involving key figures such as Jay Shah, the new ICC chairman, and representatives from Australia and England.
Vaughan, alongside former India coach Ravi Shastri, believes that implementing a system of promotion and relegation could help maintain the relevance of Test cricket amid the growing popularity of T20 leagues. He argues that a two-tier structure would allow for more competitive matches, reducing mismatches and enhancing audience engagement. In his vision, each tier would consist of six teams, with a minimum of three matches per series and a set number of overs each day.
The proposal suggests that the changes could take effect after the current Future Tours Programme concludes in 2027. Vaughan highlighted that such a structure could lead to more frequent Ashes series and other high-stakes encounters, ultimately benefiting the sport’s financial health. However, concerns remain about how this shift might impact smaller cricketing nations, which could face challenges in securing matches against top-tier teams.