Ravi Shastri has advocated for implementing a two-tier system in Test cricket. Speaking at the inaugural World Cricket Connects event at Lord's Cricket Ground on Friday, the former India coach suggested that Test cricket would become more engaging if there was a promotion and relegation system.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) disclosed, "(Shastri) proposed a competitive Test structure with promotion and relegation to maintain interest," releasing parts of the extensive discussion. Shastri also discussed the management of Twenty20 cricket, emphasising its financial significance and the ICC's role in overseeing the Future Tours Programme. He had previously stated that the ICC calendar should exclude bilateral Twenty20 matches, focusing only on the World Cup for the shortest format.
Shastri further highlighted the shifting balance of power and economic realities in modern cricket, noting how India has replaced the former dominance of England and Australia. He also stressed the importance of the BCCI distributing resources more generously.
During the same discussion, Graeme Smith addressed the evolution of Test cricket, noting that it is mainly played by six nations and calling for a strategic approach to its future. He warned against simplistic solutions like creating dedicated windows for the format, something Australian captain Pat Cummins had requested.
The MCC discussion gathered some of cricket's most influential figures to debate the major opportunities and challenges facing modern cricket. The MCC stated, "The debate generated a range of ideas for those attending to help shape the positive evolution of the game."
Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Star & Disney India, emphasised balancing commercial interests with regulatory measures and enhancing the overall fan experience to ensure the sport's sustainability. Ramiz Raja highlighted the challenges faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, particularly the inability to play lucrative bilateral cricket against India. He also pointed out the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in bolstering Pakistan's cricket economy and called for better scheduling of Test series, improved stadium facilities, and innovative formats like triangular series.
Andrew Strauss, the former England captain, mentioned the potential of the Olympics to introduce cricket to new audiences. Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, stressed the importance of pushing boundaries for growth, advocating for the globalisation of cricket brands and fan bases to create year-round engagement and explore new market opportunities.
Greg Barclay, Chair of ICC, opened the event with a thought-provoking introduction on the state of the game, highlighting the unsustainable pace of the current cricket calendar and the challenge of balancing global growth with economic realities. "Barclay stressed the need for collaboration and compromise among cricket's leaders to navigate these challenges effectively," the MCC reported.
According to the MCC, the event was attended by chairs and CEOs from ICC full Members, including representatives from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies, as well as associate nations like Scotland and Oman. The IPL was strongly represented with CEOs from the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, alongside prominent broadcast figures who bring the IPL to a global audience. Leaders from the Professional Cricketers' Association, Australian Cricketers' Association, SA20, and IL20 also attended. MCC's World Cricket committee members such as Kumar Sangakkara, Graeme Smith, Clare Connor, and Jhulan Goswami were present, along with cricket legends like Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum, Heather Knight, Barry Richards, and Shastri.