‘ICC doesn’t run cricket’- Ian Chappell lashes out at apex board for prioritizing commercial goals

During the discussion, Ian Chappell, the former captain of Australia, criticized the ICC for not implementing such a system earlier and charged them of being a “event management company.” In his critique, Chappell also brought up the obvious point made by Michael Holding, a former cricket player from the West Indies, who asked the board to concentrate just on cricket while using FIFA as an example. Additionally, Chappell was charged of being a puppet of a wealthy Indian cricket board and planning events according to their wishes.

Every four years, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the highest cricket regulatory body, hosts the 50-over World Cup. The T20 World Cup is conducted every two years, while the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place every four years, with the most recent edition starting in Pakistan on February 19. In addition, the apex board hosts the World Test Championship every two years, with a cycle lasting two years.

When it was reported that the ICC was considering implementing a two-tier system in Test cricket, with the nations who play the test being divided into tier 1 and tier 2 groups, respectively, the argument got underway. The decision was denounced by many who believed it would hurt poor boards like Afghanistan and the West Indies since it may serve the interests of elite clubs like India, Australia, and England, who would be in tier 1.

Michael Holding, a former West Indies pace bowling champion, said of a two-tier Test system: “For all its flaws, at least FIFA actually runs soccer.” Cricket needs to be run by the ICC. And there’s a confusing issue. Unless there is a significant change of heart, the financially attractive nations will continue to have a significant influence in creating a self-serving calendar because the ICC does not administer cricket,” Chappell said in his column for the publication.

A two-tiered testing system ought to have been in place years ago: Ian Chappell.

Additionally, Ian Chappell talked about the financial perspectives of the world cricket scenario both before and now. According to the former Australia icon, the two-tier Test system ought to have been in place a few years ago. Furthermore, he reiterated that only the top teams are able to compete and keep up over time in the Test format. In addition, he stated that the West Indies, who have the capacity to attract larger audiences, have been left to face the consequences without much assistance from the ICC.

The financial divide is the other significant problem. Despite being the wealthiest cricketing nations, the major three—India, Australia, and England—claim a sizable portion of the funds allocated to cricket bodies, but they strive for an even greater portion. Given that they account for around 70% of cricket’s revenue, India has a significant presence in the ICC. Cricket hasn’t really figured out a practical solution to this complicated problem. There is a suggestion to divide Test cricket into two divisions, which would guarantee more high-stakes matchups with larger nations like Australia, England, and India,” he added.

Years ago, there ought to have been a two-tiered testing system in place. In practice, only a small number of teams can compete in the five-day game over an extended period of time. West Indies’ ability to attract large crowds earned them the right to financial support, and it’s criminal that they’ve been left to slack off,” Chappell said.