Top players want separate windows for T20 leagues as well as two-tier Tests

With plenty of conflicting opinions arising from full members on the next direction of international cricket, all eyes will be on ICC’s annual workshop which is scheduled to occur this week in Dubai. Wary of the ever growing threat of various T20 leagues, leading players from across the globe have pushed for separate windows for those events as well as a two-tier Test system in order to add context to the game’s traditional format.

According to a survey conducted by Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA), 72 percent of the 200 participants (including 111 international players) wanted a divisional structure for Tests while restricting T20 competitions to distinct windows.

Even though as many as 52 percent claimed that they might opt out of national contracts for joining domestic T20 leagues, 75 percent called for an increase in wages to help them pledge to internationals.

A concerned Tony Irish (FICA Executive Chairman) stated, “We know from our player surveys and our engagement with players, that they are facing a conflict between international cricket and domestic T20 cricket leagues. The entire cricket economy, including all professional players - both international and domestic - is highly dependent on international cricket.”

He added, “To ensure its survival, the game needs to evolve. That is not an easy task. But thinking globally and not based on regional or country interests is a good place to start. We understand that not everyone is in agreement over the divisional Test structure currently proposed, but this should not derail the entire process.“

Irish’s sentiments were echoed by South African captain AB de Villiers who believed that a two-tier system will impart additional significance and sustained intensity to all Test matches.

The dynamic right-hander quipped, “We have already raised our intensity and urgency just knowing that a Test league might happen. There is nothing like the pressure and adrenaline that comes with knowing you need to win matches. It's time for all international matches to have more meaning.”

However, reports suggest that the highly influential BCCI might oppose the two-tier concept along with PCB, SLC, WICB and ZC while ECB, CA, CSA and NZC are likely to push for the revamp.

‘Players should have a say in the game’s future’

Seeking cricketers’ involvement in the decision-making, Australian skipper Steven Smith felt, “We want our best players to be on the park as much as possible playing for our countries and at the moment that isn't always happening. Players should absolutely have a say in the future of the game. We are the ones out there doing the job and it is important we are involved in decision making.”

Jason Holder also wished for a change with several major West Indies players preferring the riches of T20 leagues to national commitments. He hoped, “Creating windows (for T20 leagues) would make the whole situation a lot easier as players would not be forced to choose. If players could play both domestic T20 and international cricket, it would definitely help to keep players in international cricket.”

While Ross Taylor noted that the proposed upheaval could prevent early retirements from the international circuit, Shakib Al Hasan alluded to a well-defined calendar promoting equal opportunities for all countries.

In this regard, the upcoming ICC discussion will serve as a forerunner for next month’s meeting by which time the future course of cricket should come to light.