Two-tier WTC model scuppered; ODI Super League revival on the cards

The next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is likely to feature all 12 Full Members in one division after plans to split nations into two tiers failed to gain widespread support, while a resurrection for the short-lived ODI Super League is also on the cards.

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A working group, led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, tasked with addressing pressing issues over cricket's three formats provided recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) during last week's quarterly meetings in Dubai.

There had been a sense of urgency behind it with countries already having started conversations for bilateral series that will be part of the next WTC cycle (2027-29).

A two-tier system, which has cropped up in talks periodically for over a decade, was again among topics discussed when the working group was formed at the ICC annual conference in July.

But doubts over whether a funding model could be implemented contributed to scuppering the two-tier model. It had been mooted that India, England and Australia could support those in division two through a financial distribution, but those talks did not go far.

Nations likely to occupy division two, such as West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, were opposed to the idea due to the likely lack of playing opportunities against the bigger nations.

Promotion and relegation was also a thorny issue, the big three concerned about the financial impacts of relegation.