ICC plans promotion and relegation in Tests

“There’s a general realisation now that, if we’re going to keep Test cricket going well into the future, we can’t just say it’s going to survive on its own,” Richardson, who was in London to promote the 2017 Champions Trophy, said.

“Unless we can give some meaning to these series beyond the rankings and a trophy, then interest in Test cricket will continue to waiver. The same applies if we allow uncompetitive Test cricket to take place too often. 

“If we really want Test cricket to survive, we can’t have the number of Test teams diminishing. We have to create a proper competition structure which provides promotion and relegation and opportunities to get to the top,” he said. 

Admitting the drop in interest, Richardson admitted that Test cricket required added “meaning and context” if it is to survive. 

“A number of member countries are finding that they’re not getting as much from their TV rights for bilateral cricket and they see the need to change and introduce some meaningful context. “The beauty of leagues is that, in theory, you will have a more competitive competition and teams playing each other that are of a more equal standard. 

While the details of the plan remain open to debate, Richardson hoped they will be agreed by the end of this month.