"Do they actually deserve to be in the top tier?" - Aakash Chopra proposes 2-tier system amid 2025 WTC final

Former India player Aakash Chopra has proposed a two-tier structure for Test cricket amid the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final. He noted that some teams haven't come even close to competing for a place in the final in the last three cycles, questioning why they should be in the same tier.

Australia are playing South Africa in the 2025 WTC final at Lord's. The defending champions have a 218-run lead with two second-innings wickets in hand heading into the third day (Friday, June 13).

In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener wondered why Test cricket shouldn't be split into two tiers, highlighting that some teams haven't come close to finishing in the top three over the last three WTC cycles.

"Should Test cricket be divided into tiers? WTC was introduced since the ICC started realizing that Test cricket no longer has as much thrill. So they said they would put a little context in every match. The story is that the context has come, but where will you get the contest from?" Chopra said (10:30).

"In my opinion, there is no contest because it's been six years since the start of WTC cycles, the last match of the third cycle is being played, but some teams have never come even close to the top three. Do they actually deserve to be in the top tier? Why is everyone in the same tier?" he added.

Aakash Chopra noted that although Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies are part of the World Test Championship, some of them are easy pushovers. He added that such teams are not helping the tournament at all from the contest point of view.

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"Keep 6 teams in the top tier and 6 teams in the bottom tier, and then you can have promotion and relegation as well" - Aakash Chopra

Only nine teams are currently part of the World Test Championship. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that the two tiers could have six teams each, with a provision for promotion and relegation.

"Divide it into two tiers. Afghanistan and Ireland are also Test-playing nations now. Make them part of the second tier. Keep six teams in the top tier and six teams in the bottom tier, and then you can have promotion and relegation as well. One team will go up and one team will come down," he said (14:10).

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that top sides should play against each other, claiming that India will beat the West Indies easily at home in the next WTC cycle.

"I want the top teams playing against each other constantly. We are hosting the West Indies in the upcoming Test cycle. I can tell you now that there will be no benefit of hosting the West Indies. You will win easily, so what's the point?" Chopra observed.

Aakash Chopra acknowledged that people might talk about the West Indies beating Australia in the pink-ball Test in Brisbane. However, he questioned whether the Windies are getting even close to qualifying or finishing in the top five, highlighting that some teams are easy pickings and don't add value to Test cricket.