The long-awaited World Test Championship might get approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday as the apex cricket…
Representational image (Photo: AFP)
The long-awaited World Test Championship might get approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday as the apex cricket body is expected to take a decision in this regard in its upcoming meeting in New Zealand.
Watching the shift of the fanbase from longest format to the shorter ones (ODIs and T20Is), the ICC has always advocated for a Test championship that would help the gentleman’s format regain its charm.
However, the efforts for the desired league have been hindered twice in the past seven years as the ICC fears that some of the world teams will be under fire and it will lead to a misbalanced league structure.
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According to reports, this time the sports body is all set with an advanced idea that might get a green signal on Friday in Auckland.
The proposed league will have nine teams participating over a two-year-stretched span beginning in 2019. The Mecca of cricket – Lord’s will host the high-sparkling final match.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the league competition would give Test series a broader international ‘context’.
“You’re also creating structure in such a way that you no longer have games without meaning. They are all part of a league championship,” Sutherland said as quoted by AFP.
Adding to this, the ICC will eye a major shake-up of the ODI fixtures in Auckland.
Besides the Test Championship, the idea of a 13-nation ODI league is also doing rounds. The ODI series, if it happens, will be operated on a three-year cycle with results affecting World Cup qualification.
With this, the number of ODIs in a series would be restricted to three, ending the lengthy five-match series that are currently part of the international fixtures.
(With inputs from agencies)
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