Ian Chappell Questions ICC’s Test Status Criteria for Associate Nations

New Delhi: Former Australian cricket captain Ian Chappell has voiced concerns regarding the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) process of granting Test status to associate nations. In a column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell emphasized the need for well-defined criteria before awarding Test status, ensuring teams meet essential standards.

Chappell highlighted that several associate nations have been granted Test status without fulfilling “reasonable criteria,” and he reignited discussions around the implementation of a two-tier Test system to maintain the format’s relevance and competitiveness.

According to the ESPNCricinfo report, Chappell argued that only a limited number of teams can sustain competitive Test cricket in the long run, making the feasibility of a structured two-tier system a crucial topic of discussion.

He raised concerns about the ICC’s evaluation process in granting full membership, particularly questioning whether Afghanistan, under Taliban governance, can host Test series, or if Ireland possesses sufficient Test-standard venues.

“Before a nation achieves Test status, it should meet essential criteria such as having a robust first-class structure, legitimate five-day venues, adequate facilities, and financial stability,” Chappell wrote in his column, as quoted by Wisden.

He further stated that if a nation consistently meets these criteria over the years, then promotion to Test cricket would be justified. However, he believes that several recently promoted teams fall short of these benchmarks. “Can Afghanistan realistically host a Test series under current conditions? Does Ireland have enough Test-ready venues? The answer, quite simply, is no. So why do they have Test status?” he questioned.

Afghanistan and Ireland, which received Test status in 2018, have played 11 and nine Test matches respectively, securing four and two victories to date.

Chappell also criticized the ICC’s management, blaming the proliferation of T20 leagues for disrupting international cricket schedules and leading players to prioritize franchise commitments over national duties. He described the ICC as an “events management company” that must regain control of Test cricket to prevent wealthier boards, such as India, England, and Australia, from dominating the sport.

“The chaotic scheduling and the growing T20 landscape are consequences of ineffective governance by the ICC. Without a structured two-tier Test system, bilateral series will continue to favor the richest full members,” Chappell remarked, urging the ICC to take decisive action.

As the debate continues, Chappell’s critique sheds light on the challenges facing Test cricket and the need for a structured approach to sustain its future.

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