DHAKA: The number of cricket boards supporting two-tier test cricket system rose to four as Cricket South Africa extended their support to it on Monday.

Earlier, Cricket Australia, England Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket endorsed their support to the system proposed by ICC chief executive David Richardson.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Test cricket is already fading and will die if nothing is done”.

“South Africa would support a two-tier Test system in order to create meaningful context for Test match cricket. Currently there is little or no meaning when countries play against each other in bilateral Test matches, save for the Ashes,” he added.

The two-tier concept would operate over a two-year period with a relegation and promotion system with seven nations in each.

Lorgat further said: “A two-tier system with promotion and relegation will allow for a much better narrative plus two more teams will have the opportunity to play Test match cricket”.

“The Test league can also link down to the Intercontinental Cup where again promotion and relegation will create context and opportunity for other countries,” he added.

Meanwhile, cricket boards from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India have voiced against the system.

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is yet to decide their position.

WICB president Dave Cameron said: “At this point in time the West Indies Cricket Board does not have enough information to make an informed decision”.

“However in world football there are no divisions with over 200 nations participation, and so off the bat we cannot see the need for divisions if we have 12 teams participating in Test cricket,” he added.

The ICC is set to meet in Dubai in September for a special meeting to discuss about the introduction of two-tier Tests, a 13-team ODI league and bringing the World T20 back to a once-in-two-years event.

Any change in the ICC needs vote from seven full members.

BDST: 0900 HRS, AUG 09, 2016
SR