'ICC Doesn't Run Cricket, It is Widely Regarded as an Event Management Company', Former Australia Captain Ian Chappell Lambasts Apex Cricket Council

New Delhi, Jan 26: Describing the ICC as an "event management company", former Australia captain Ian Chappell has observed that the financially stronger boards are getting their way in producing self-serving schedule while harming the interest of Test cricket. Chappell also felt that a viable two-tier system for Test cricket should have been in place by now but added that there are other pressing matters that need urgent attention to keep the game's traditional format relevant. ICC Test Team of the Year 2024: Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal Included; Pat Cummins Named Captain.

"On the subject of a two-tier Test system, former West Indies pace-bowling champion Michael Holding noted: 'For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs soccer. The ICC must run cricket'," Chappell wrote in his column for 'ESPNcricinfo'. "Therein lies a perplexing problem. 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."

Chappell though agreed that the game's financial engine India's influence is proportional to their contribution. "Then there's the major issue of the financial split. 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." A proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions, which will ensure more high-stakes matches featuring bigger teams such as India, Australia and England, is under discussion. Arshdeep Singh Named ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024.

Such a system could, however, also harm smaller teams, resulting in fewer Tests for them and also threatening inclusivity in the sport. Chappell, one of Australia's finest captains, believed a system of promotion and relegation should be there with certain criteria.

"There should have been a two-tier Test system in place years ago. "In reality only a limited number of teams are capable of competing long-term in the five-day game. West Indies earned the right to financial assistance with their capacity to draw crowds, and it's criminal they've been allowed to languish," he said.

Chappell further stated Afghanistan and Ireland should not be laying Test cricket as they don't fulfil all requirements. "A system that includes promotion and relegation is feasible but there need to be certain criteria attached before a team attains Test status. Those should include: Do they have a viable first-class competition? Do they have legitimate grounds for holding five-day games? Do the grounds have adequate facilities? Are they financially stable?

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