Former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd Shares Fears About The Two-Tier ICC World Test Championship

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-12 13:11:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-13 03:35:24

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Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has expressed concerns regarding the ICC's two-tier World Test Championship structure, which is slated to begin in 2023. He believes that the format could unfairly trap weaker nations like his beloved West Indies in the second tier for decades, limiting their opportunities to compete at the highest level and improve their standards.

Speaking to Cricinfo, Lloyd shared his views on the matter, stating that the proposal, ``could keep us in the second tier for 100 years because the top tier will be too strong.''

He went on to emphasize the importance of meaningful competition and highlighted how the current structure could hinder the development of emerging nations. Weak teams get relegated to the second tier, where they face mediocre opponents, which does not help them improve their game.

Lloyd referred to the West Indies' heyday, commenting on how their superior level of play was forged through regular competition against the best, concluding that, ``When you play against the best, you have a chance of improving.''

As part of a long-term plan to develop more competitive cricket, Lloyd also advocated for the ICC to invest in facilities and support infrastructure in emerging nations. This reflects a broader agenda of entertaining and retaining fans, allowing them to enjoy more competitive matches between nationally recognized teams.

While the proposed two-tier structure has its benefits, it is important to ensure that any such format genuinely supports the development and elevation of all cricket nations, not just the ones blessed with abundant resources.

Conclusion:

Clive Lloyd's comments shed light on the potentially divisive implications of the ICC's two-tier World Test Championship. Fearful that it could stifle underdogs for decades, he advocates for the establishment of a fair and balanced format that supports the development of all participating nations. Such discourse is vital to ensuring the evolution of cricket into a more inclusive and captivating sport.

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