Shan Masood Advocates for Relegation and Promotion in Two-Tier Test System
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Synopsis
On January 17, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood endorsed the proposed two-tier system in red-ball cricket, insisting it should function on a relegation and promotion basis to enhance the competitive spirit among teams.
Key Takeaways
- Shan Masood supports a two-tier Test system.
- The system should operate on a relegation and promotion basis.
- It aims to increase competition among teams.
- Masood calls for more Test matches for Pakistan.
- Current Test matches per year are too few.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed his support for the suggested two-tier framework in red-ball cricket, emphasizing that it must operate on a relegation and promotion basis to heighten the excitement of the competition.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird, England and Wales Cricket Board chief Richard Thompson, and representatives from BCCI are scheduled to meet ICC Chairman Jay Shah later this month to deliberate on the potential implementation of a two-tier Test system starting in 2027. This proposed system aims to facilitate more frequent matches among the big three nations—India, England, and Australia.
“If there is a two-tier system then it has to be exciting. I have been reading about this plan so if it is implemented it should be on a relegation and promotion basis,” Masood informed Telecom Asia Sport.
Masood further noted that the proposed structure should be advantageous for all teams, fostering a competitive environment among all participants.
“These are matters which the International Cricket Council and respective Boards of the participating nations need to take up and decide. I can only provide my perspective. The two-tier system needs to be thrilling and appealing for the fans. It should benefit all teams and encourage competitive play among them,” he stated.
Moreover, Masood pointed out the limited number of Test matches played by Pakistan in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and called for an increase in matches within this format.
“We want more and more Test cricket. The challenge for many countries is that they are only playing four to five Tests a year, which is quite insufficient. If I refer to Pakistan, we require more Tests because the demands of Test cricket surpass those of other formats. When there’s a long gap, like playing one series and then waiting ten months for the next, it creates challenges and hinders maintaining momentum,” he concluded.
