ICC chalks out new ODI, Test League starting from 2019

In an attempt to make bilateral series more contextual, ICC’s chief executive’s committee (CEC) has chalked out Test and ODI schedules with their proposal named Option C.  Only a sanction from the ICC boards awaits Option C to be inculcated in International cricket.

Under Option C, a rolling Test series is scheduled to take place which would start from 2019 which would comprise the Top 9 Test teams. These 9 teams would play a total 12 series on home and away basis in a span of 4 years. However, the league does not involve teams such as Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan who hold the lowest Test ranking as of now. Apart from the Test League in 2019, an ODI league comprising of Top 13 teams is scheduled to start on 2020.

That said, it all rests upon the clearance from several boards and the primary resistance is expected from the BCCI who have opposed potential structures previously. If the boards provide the clearance, it is only then the cricketing council would formalise the plan, add in specifics such as dates, terms and conditions, and present a more detailed schedule to the CEC for approval in the council meetings in October.

Rules of Engagement

Another important expected hindrance to the move is the window in between the four years with the increase of T20 leagues around the world. Tentatively, the Test League is scheduled to commence right after the 2019 World Cup until the beginning of 2023 World Cup. Each team can play a maximum of 12 Test series and each series must have a minimum of two test matches. Half the matches shall be played at home and another half away, over a period of four years.

Twelve Test series over four years are not far off from what Full Members played in a four-year stretch from 2011-15: Australia played 12, England 13, India 12, South Africa 12, New Zealand 16, West Indies 13, Pakistan 14, Sri Lanka 14, Zimbabwe 9 and Bangladesh 10.