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Time for TWO-TIER Cricket to become Reality

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 05:07:49 

A POSSIBLE STRUCTURE

Suppose for instance:

1) Afghans and Irish are added as Test Nations and total number is 12.

2) Two tiers with 6 Teams each.

3) Let the Review period be 4 years for Tier Change i.e. every Four years, a team has a chance to change tiers
(edited, review period changed from 2 years to 4 years, considering bi-lateral series completion with non-tier countries in 4 years)

4) So what happens in those Four years:

4.1 Each Nation must play atleast 1 series home and away vs the other 5 nations in their tier. (i.e 2 X 5 = 10 series)
4.2 Each Nation is free to play other bi-lateral series with NON-TIER countries, however their results will not be added to the tier ranking system.

So as an Example:

Tier.1 = Aus, Eng, NZ, Ind, SA and Pak

Tier.2 = SL, BL, WI, Zim, Afg and Ire

So say between 2019 and 2023, West Indies has to play at least one series (home and away) with remaining teams in Tier.2
Same for everyone else.

At the end of 2023, Whoever is the top Team in the Tier-2, will go upto Tier-1, and last ranked team in Tier-1, drops to Tier-2

This system will ensure "Competitive Cricket".

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 05:10:37 

Let me be more specific for West Indies.

Currently, Right Now on an average, WI have 2 home series and 2 away series in a calendar year (Season).
i.e. in 4 years, WI play on an average 16 Test series right now.

So as per the Proposed Structure, In 4 years, WI play 10 series inTier-2, one each vs BL, Zim, Afg, Ire and SL. (home or away)

and WI still have upto 6 series window, which we can play against the Tier-1 sides (Aus, Eng, Ind, NZ, SA and Pak etc)

So This will ensure that our bilateral series is kept alive also.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 05:14:14 

If someone is a Journalist in here, I seriously pray he/she publishes this structure in the media.

I genuinely feel this has MERIT to it.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 05:18:03 

One Editing done above:

Tier Review changed to 4 years, considering bi-lateral series completion with non-tier countries

So as a Summary:

Say between 2019-2023:

In 4 years, WI plays home and away series vs SL, BL, Afg, Ire and Zim

and atleast 1 series (either home or away) with Aus, Eng, Ind, SA, NZ and Pak.

Thats 16 Test Series in 4 years, thats a minimum.

Then WI can always tour Eng also, as its the off season.
and if the window allows it, play other countries too...

But what this system will HELP MOST.. is give players from Tier-2 countries a definite 10 Test Series in their own TIER over 4 years.
and I am sure, they will find 6 more test series vs Tier-1 teams.

 
mikesiva 2017-04-25 06:49:41 

In reply to thefacts

I would add one further suggestion. Tier two teams play home and away with each other as you suggest. However tier two teams are crap at touring tier one teams so abandon that. On the other hand tier two occasionally play well at home against tier one teams so allow that facility to stay in place. For example Sri Lanka beat Australia at home while Bangladesh beat England at home. But most tier two matches should be between tier two teams.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 06:57:31 

In reply to mikesiva

Brother you have me confused with your suggestion.

Allow me to REPEAT the PROPOSAL.

Step.1
Tier-1 and Tier-2 Teams, 6 EACH -- Play the SAME-TIER TEAMS on both HOME AND AWAY basis (Mandatory) over 4 years.
Thats 10 Test Series. (5 TEAMS x 2 SERIES each)

Step.2
They play the NON-SAME TIER teams, atleast ONCE in 4 YEARS.
Thats 6 Test Series. (6 Non-Same Tier Teams X 1 series each).
Whether its a HOME or AWAY series, has to be decided mutually between those teams.

Summary:
So in 4 Years, each Team plays 10+6 = 16 series as a minimum

Now coming to your point:

However tier two teams are crap at touring tier one teams so abandon that.


This is a BILATERAL Issue and Two concerned nations must decide on their OWN.
It has no impact on the TIER AND RANKING SYSTEM.

For Eg. if England wants WI to tour them, so be it.

Likewise SL, BL would tour India.

WI would tour UAE to play Pakistan

ETC ETC

In Summary:

As a Thumb rule, as a Tier-1 vs Tier-2 Team Series is not affecting The Ranking/Tier System, it can be arranged anyway the concerned teams want.
as it is purely for the Bi-Lateral Series purpose.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 07:06:01 

In reply to mikesiva

and i will give you a practical example of how "bilateral series" can be decided.

Lets take the example of the Boxing Day Test Match or cricket Match.

Now three countries host it --- Aus, SA and NZ.

So its obvious, that these three countries have to be at their home venue to be able to host that match.

That leaves only 3 other teams in their TIER to come over 3 separate years. (Eng, Ind, Pak)

Now its obvious, that atleast one team from TIER-2 will be required to fill in the gap of the 4th TEAM for the Boxing Day Match in a 4 year period.

So now Aus, SA and NZ are free to choose, which Tier-2 Team they want to be that opposition.

--

So as an example, it could be for Aus, SA and NZ -- that WI are the 4th Team of choice.

That means WI tours Aus, SA and NZ, while WI host Ind, Pak and Eng at home over 4 years in the NON-SAME TIER Series arrangement.

This is just an example.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 07:15:41 

In reply to mikesiva

Another aspect that is coming out is that:

IN THE 6 NON-SAME TIER BILATERAL SERIES OVER 4 years:

While ideally, 3 to be played at HOME and 3 AWAY. but since this has no impact on ranking/tier, it really is upto the Teams to decide.

All depends on the Window available in the calendar.

---

Some more examples

Ireland -- can only be toured in the traditional off season, very cold for most of the year, easily most teams would like to go and tour Ireland.

Afganistan --- would probably be using India as a Home country for matches.

Bangladesh --- it can tour Ind, Pak and Eng

Sri Lanka --- It can tour Ind, Pak and Eng

WI --- It can tour Aus, SA, NZ

Seriously I don't think the scheduling will be much of a challenge.

 
Tryangle 2017-04-25 08:28:30 

If matches in your note 4.2 don't count for rankings points, then why would one want to arrange such a series? Why would South Africa want to play against Ireland, for example? Cricket needs context to thrive. And you may get it from this two league set up for Tests, but I dunno.

 
Bestian 2017-04-25 08:45:05 

Why not just have two conference leagues like the NBA?

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 08:47:10 

In reply to Tryangle

why would one want to arrange such a series? Why would South Africa want to play against Ireland, for example?


While your argument has some merit, consider the alternative:

1. If the Bi-Lateral series are linked to the Rankings/Tier-Points System, then the "Bi-Lateral" nature of the series will be subject to pressures of "garnishing" most points, and wanting to play when convenient etc.

An example of that is the current ODI rankings system, where teams are either playing or not-playing particular series or tournaments, depending on their convenience for maintaining qualifications to various tournaments.

2. Lets take your example and broaden it --- what is the incentive to a Tier-1 team to play 3 tier-2 teams, namely: Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

And to be honest, there is almost none for most.
And in all likelihood, these teams will get 1-off test series to start with.
But that's where i believe, it will start and not end.

In the first 4-years of the Tier System, countries will seek out these nations as "Preps" for bigger series.

For example, Ireland is an easy example for anyone touring England.
They can prep in Irish conditions and then head to England.

Zimbabwe can be the pre-Saffies tour.

While Afghanistan can be a pre-India tour in Indian conditions.

I am saying there is a world-of-opportunities once the system comes in place.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 08:49:55 

In reply to Bestian

Why not just have two conference leagues like the NBA?


Here's your answer:

There are 30 teams in the NBA divided into 2 conferences, each containing 4 divisions I believe. All the teams play 82 games in the regular season. The top seed of each division is automatically given a playoff berth, no matter how bad the record. Those would result in 8 playoff spots total. The other 8 are decided by the 4 next highest records of non-division-winning teams in each conference. So 16 out of the 30 teams make the playoffs each year. 8 from the Western Conference and 8 from the Eastern Conference.


In NBA all 30 teams are at the same level at the beginning of the season, then eventually 1 wins.

Here, there are two different tiers, where all are not equal.

 
Bestian 2017-04-25 08:54:36 

In reply to thefacts

OK..What if we had two groups with 6 teams each ranked from top to bottom, with the winners of each group playing each other every 4 years for a test championship? But I do like your proposal anyway..Just playing devil's advocate

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 08:57:34 

In reply to WICFan

Sounds like the best set-up, although the ICC wouldn't want the possibility of one of 'The Big 3' somehow slipping into Tier 2 so maybe a 7/5 Tier would be more logical.

The question I have is would runs/wickets in Tier 2 count as Test Runs? Players could pad up their averages more running riot against Zimbabwe.


No why. Suppose Pommies get relegated to Tier-2. Still they have 6 series quota to play Tier-1, out of which 1 series is vs Australia, which they can use to tour Aussies. Then they can easily play an extra series at home, vs Australia and complete the two Ashes every 4 years.

The Proposal above says minimum 16 Test Series, not Maximum

Imagine how less that number is... just compare to how many series India has played this season at home in past 7 months --

1 --- 3 Tests vs NZ in Ind
2---- 5 Tests vs Eng in Ind
3---- 1 Test vs BL in Ind
4---- 4 Tests vs Aus in Ind

Summary: 4 Test Series, 13 tests between September and March, 6-7 months.

and Here we are talking 4 Test Series in a full calendar year. Its entirely possible to play more.

------

As for your point regarding runs/wickets against Tier-2 teams... its bizarre to even suggest so.

Everyone is playing Test Cricket, and everyone has the same opportunity.

The thing that takes care of weak oppositions, is that they don't fetch so much revenue and hence their matches remain to an absolute minimum.

Therein lies the great leveller. But its upto each bilateral series to decide how many games they want to play.

and seriously, no one gives much about averages, what people love to see and remember is the contest.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 09:03:19 

In reply to Bestian

OK..What if we had two groups with 6 teams each ranked from top to bottom, with the winners of each group playing each other every 4 years for a test championship?


IMHO, no one really cares who is the Test Champion.

I mean, not so long back Pakistan was no.1, and now they are no.6

and i don't even know who is no.1 right now... because it all keeps changing quickly.

But the point here is, Test Cricket is about the "Series Contest". and thats what the Tier System will look to enhance... create competitive cricket.

For a Team like WI, we will get series against Tier-2 teams that we must win -- right now the one thing that seems to be forever lacking in our boys is motivation to perform. They always seem to be going through the motions.

I am more than convinced, that when playing in a TIER system, that would provide the necessary impetus.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 09:17:55 

and like i said above, 16 Test Series is the minimum.

WI can play extra series vs Aus, Eng, Ind etc... no rule to stop us. (but that will be DEMAND driven, no one is obligated to play us, and it will be on MERIT that such a series will be facilitated)

I really hope, those in the power circles of Cricket, consider such a move to make Test Cricket, really competitive.

 
Tryangle 2017-04-25 10:09:56 

Why not just have two conference leagues like the NBA?


Wouldn't it be something, if international cricket was like any other pro sports league, or like how FIFA organises their competitions?

But it's a non-starter with how the ICC is structured.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 10:15:02 

In reply to Tryangle

But it's a non-starter with how the ICC is structured.


I think its unfair to blame ICC alone for this.

Test Cricket has remained a sport of the elite and not the masses.

It has something to do also with the amount of time a game takes!

Soccer, Basketball etc are instant sports... few hours and done.
They are also high energy, fast paced entertainment...

This also points to how T20 has gained such an enormous popularity worldwide.

Its just the times we live in... better everyone accepts it.

--

This Two Tier Structure is exactly what Test Cricket needs... a lot more drama.... Relegation Battles etc.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 10:28:08 

I was discussing this idea with a friend and he adds...

"Infact, when Tier-2 plays Tier-1, the points to be earned should be DOUBLE for the Tier-2 team"... what an incentive that will be to do well in Bi-Laterals

big grin big grin

I liked his suggestion.. Just posting it.

 
Tryangle 2017-04-25 11:42:26 

In reply to thefacts

Test Cricket has remained a sport of the elite and not the masses.


Then I say, as a fan of the longer form of the game, it is time to do away with Tests and four-day matches. Let them remain only as quirky and rare events scattered on the calendar. Let T20 become *the* flagship of the game. And allow that to become the true global game that the world as a whole can get into.

But let me get off this dumb soapbox before I accidentally hijack your well-intentioned thread. Personally I think two-tier Tests will be a reality soon enough.

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 12:00:49 

In reply to Tryangle

Personally I think two-tier Tests will be a reality soon enough.


ME TOO.

I just don't see a down side to the system proposed above.

Everyone gets to play bilateral series, and have to play every team in their TIER.

I would assume the TIER structure and the new teams will enhance interest in Test Cricket further.

 
POINT 2017-04-25 12:32:28 

Quite Frankly it aint about Tier 1 &
Tier 2 . It is about the fact that the Stewardship of the Worst International Cricket Board in the
Commonwealth ; & the Regional Cricket Boards ; to put it exceedingly mildly :

HAVE BEEN AND ARE ABYSMAL

FAILURES IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL

AND COLLECTIVE STEWARDSHIPS

OF CRICKET IN THE REGION .

I seriously doubt that any reasonable person can refute what I have stated above .

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 12:42:08 

In reply to POINT

A TWO TIER system can only help matters.

I don't dispute the problems that you have raised, i have been addressing them too, but they are much larger and more complex.

 
WICFan 2017-04-25 13:46:16 

In reply to thefacts

India don't entertain the idea of playing Zimbabwe as it is, so in the circumstances that one nation refuses to play another how would you go about ending this?

As for my mention about Test Runs/Wickets. I said it because players shouldn't be rewarded for failure. i.e. getting relegated or not showing any signs of getting promoted.

 
camos 2017-04-25 13:53:16 

In reply to thefacts

Everyone we play tear our rass! is that multiple tier?

lol

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 13:55:01 

In reply to WICFan

I think it's about time that cricket ceases to be held hostage of Indian Boards dominance

Fine, they bring the largest revenue to the game, that is true

But, after a decade it's time the World Body, ICC, now seriously gets back and take control of the game

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 13:58:40 

In reply to WICFan

Further, I strongly believe that the Indians too will play if the product can be marketed

Look at the ICC Champions trophy, it was all set to be dropped, but India won it and now it's alive again

Similarly, India almost annually tours Zimbabwe for 5 ODIs with a A-team side

It can very easily play a test series

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 14:03:09 

In reply to camos

big grin

Good one

Jokes apart, I want to make a nuanced point on this.

Just maybe, having a tiered structure will help second tier players step up gradually to beat top tier teams

Not always, but because the gap is so big between domestic players of tier-2 and international players of tier-1, the former don't succeed initially and most lose their confidence

Instead, if the transition is more gradual, it might help

Sometimes in life, it helps to keep having some success and not failing all the time

 
Tryangle 2017-04-25 14:06:37 

I'm sure you have already considered this, but say in two years' time, Papua New Guinea is the new Afghanistan, tons of young talent, a good structure domestically, competing with and beating their peers.
What would their pathway to Tests look like?

Do you expand this Tier 2, or do you make steps to introduce a Tier 3?

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 14:11:35 

In reply to Tryangle

Tier-3: The Associates

Let this experiment be run for 4-8 years.

Review in 2027.

 
Tryangle 2017-04-25 14:17:50 

In reply to thefacts

So essentially, retain the elements of the current WCL and Intercontinental Cup, but if PNG or Nepal or whoever is the victor, they get to play at the Tier 2 level?

Would the worst Tier 2 team then be relegated to play in Intercontinental Cup?

 
thefacts 2017-04-25 14:21:15 

In reply to Tryangle

Not till 2027

For 8 years, Ireland and Afghanistan are given a run to settle down into Test Cricket

Then ideally expand the Tier slots by 1 each, if Associates are pushing the envelope.

Also cricket maybe needs a FA Cup style tournament, T20 or ODI format, where 16 teams are playing, pure knock out

This will give an idea of the progress Associates are making

Remwmber, we all came to know of Ireland and Afghanistan because of World Cup performances

There are many parallel things that need to be done for Associates before Test Cricket becomes viable

I think Associates will be well served if they can be brought to international T20 level first

 
ellisstreet 2017-04-26 01:21:28 

The problem with the development of international cricket is the ICC.


It has done nothing to assist West Indies nor is it
really interested in a FIFA like global expansion of the
game.

Why two tier? What will such a structure do to the
development of the game in the Caribbean?

Why now and not when we were beating countries left, right, and centre?

The two tier structure will ensure the death of the game in the Caribbean.

 
thefacts 2017-04-26 01:45:41 

In reply to ellisstreet

On the contrary the game will thrive and sustain well in the T20 and ODI format

The reason why Two Tier structure is needed is for improving the interest in Test Cricket and the general lack of competitive games

Also it will give exposure to more players

 
POINT 2017-04-26 14:31:00 

In reply to thefacts

Here are the unvarnished FACTS
regarding Cricket in the REgion

1. THE STANDARD ,PARTICULARY

IS PISS POOR THAT HAS TO BE

IMPROVED .


2. THE PHYSICAL & MENTAL

FITNESS OF ALL PLAYERS IN

THE REGION MUST BE

IMPROVED .

3. THE ONUS IS ON THOSE IN THE

GOVERNANCE OF CRICKET IN

THE REGION TO ENSURE THE

ABOVE .


So then the question is this ; how
much money is the WICBC prepared
to spend to do this ??????????????

Our Players ; in my opinion ,are not Playing enough to have proper
Physical & Mental fitness to be fully
competitive in the International Cricket Arena .

In essence , if the people in the
WICBC are not prepared to spend
money to make our Players fully
Competitive , then They will be forever wallowing at or near the
Bottom of International Cricket , especially in the longer versions of
the game .

With all due Respect , writing about
Tier1 & Tier 2, in my opinion aint going to solve the Problems regarding Cricket that WE have in the Region .

TO MAKE MONEY YOU HAVE TO

SPEND MONEY . THIS FREAKING

FACT IS LOST ON THE STEWARDS

OF CRICKET IN THE REGION .

 
natty_forever 2017-04-26 15:13:50 

In reply to camos

lol lol lol lol lol