ICC forms working committee to explore two-tier Test system; Champions League T20 to re-launch next year
The committee was set up during ICC's annual general meeting in Singapore under the all-Indian leadership of the chair, Jay Shah and Gupta, who was appointed as CEO earlier this month.
Other members of the panel include England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould and the Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg, according to a report in 'The Guardian'.
"Any changes would be introduced for the next cycle of the World Test Championship, due to run from 2027 to 2029, and involve an expansion from the current nine-team format to two divisions of six," the report read.
The working party has been asked to submit its recommendations to the board by the end of the year.
The presence of Gould and Greenberg indicate that there is strong possibility of the new two-tier system being introduced as CA and ECB have been major advocates of it.
Currently, nine teams compete in the World Test Championship, but if the proposed two-tier system is implemented, the structure would shift to two divisions of six teams each, featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism.
CA and ECB discussed the two-tier concept last year. CA has been a key proponent, pushing for a model where Australia, England, and India face each other twice every three years, an increase from the current format of two series every four years.
Champions League T20 reboot on the cards
More than 10 years after its last edition, the Champions League T20 (CLT20), a club-based international T20 competition, could make a comeback next year, with the ICC actively exploring its revival.
Discussions around re-launching the competition have been ongoing, with cricket boards from India, Australia, and England leading the conversations.
The proposal to revive it has reportedly received backing from key member nations at the AGM, according to 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
The last edition of the CLT20 was held in India in 2014 with Chennai Super Kings winning the title after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final at Bengaluru. That edition involved three teams from India, two each from Australia and South Africa, and one side each from Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand.
As many as six editions of the CLT20 were played between 2009-10 to 2014-15, with four of these being organised in India and two in South Africa. The tournament was won twice each by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, while Australia's New South Wales and Sydney Sixes won it one time each.
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India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
DRS: Is it time for injury replacements in cricket?
It was truly a brave sight to behold when Rishabh Pant came out to bat on Day 2 of the Manchester Test. The Indian vice-captain was feeling the pain, but he fought through it as the crowd at Old Trafford, regardless of their allegiances, stood up and applauded him for his bravery. Pant came in struggling, but battled his way to 54 as India posted these moments are stirring and make you understand why these players put their bodies on the line for the nation's cause—was it necessary? Mind you, Pant is someone who made a long recovery from a car crash a few years ago and was already injured during the Lord's Test. His fearless batting prowess was greatly reduced as he was in pain and shouldn't have had to put his body on the line in this match and risk aggravating the injury. With a broken toe, Pant is expected to be out for some time, meaning India will be without one of their best batters for the remainder of the tour—having already scored 479 runs from seven raises the question: should cricket introduce a substitutes system like some of the other team sports? The best example is football, where each team is allowed to make at least five changes to their lineup during 90 minutes—either as part of strategy or to preserve player energy. Something similar happens in basketball, while hockey has flying substitutes who come in and leave throughout the game. In cricket, we currently have the concussion substitute system, introduced by the ICC in April 2019. That rule comes with some conditions—only a like-for-like replacement for the injured player can be made. The ICC also introduced COVID substitutes during the pandemic era, which allowed a player showing signs of COVID-19 during the course of the game to be replaced with a like-for-like player. Pant was carted off the field on Day one (Courtesy: Reuters) Now, Pant's episode has certainly divided opinion on whether substitutes should be introduced more broadly in cricket. Shardul Thakur said that it would be unfair for other teams if the system were to come into play during the current cycle and should instead be considered for the next one."I think, I think there's some discussion going on if I'm not wrong. I was reading, reading it in the news, uh, whether that should come in play or not, right now I couldn't say much, but if it happens, I would say it should happen after this cycle of WTC. It shouldn't happen in the middle because already there are a few series that have been playing in world cricket. And it could be unfair when it comes to the points table and qualifying for the finals, looking at the whole WTC cycle," said Vaughan, on the other hand, batted for substitutes to come in for serious injuries like the one Pant suffered.'I don't like the fact that we've got four days left and we're heading into what is effectively a 10 vs 11 contest,' Michael Vaughan said. 'When concussion substitutes were introduced, I felt we should've gone a step further. If someone suffers a clear injury — like a broken foot or a ruptured muscle — they should be allowed to be replaced.'In the latest episode of Democratic Review System, an opinion-based column, sports reporters, producers and writers from the India Today Group share their your thoughts in the comment box below.1. Nikhil NazNo. Because how do you define an external injury— will a bruise and scratch be judged the same way as a dislocation or fracture? This leaves a lot of ambiguity and will allow teams to exploit this loophole to correct any selection mistakes they have made at the start of the match. Bottom line— fitness and injuries are an integral part of sport, you take it as 'bad-luck' and move on with the Sabyasachi ChowdhuryI believe the rule can be introduced, but only after thorough analysis and careful deliberation. The ICC must ensure the process is airtight, leaving no room for potential loopholes that could be exploited in the future. In Rishabh Pant's case, it's certainly unfortunate, but allowing a like-for-like replacement in such situations seems only fair and reasonable.3. Sidharth ViswanathanSimple answer for a complicated sport. NO. At a time when there has been a massive debate on what is a like-for-like replacement in a concussion substitute scenario, a substitute for external injuries will only complicate matters. If the MCC clearly defined what is an external injury, then a step can be taken. But, the backdrop of this is also debatable. In Manchester, Rishabh Pant suffered an injury primarily out of his own doing. If he has not played that shot, probably the injury would not have happened and the debate would not have arisen. Had India not exploited the grey areas in the concussion substitute situation, then this could have been seriously Akshay RameshYes, cricket remains one of the few major sports that does not permit standard substitutions for injuries. After considerable deliberation, concussion substitutes were finally introduced, and Covid-19 replacements have been in place since the onset of the pandemic. However, it is unfortunate that a team must suffer the consequences of an injury, something that is an inherent part of the ICC Cricket Committee should seriously consider allowing like-for-like replacements in the event of maintain the spirit and integrity of the game, the ICC and the MCC could collaborate to formulate clear guidelines and implement a robust framework. This could involve mandatory assessments by independent medical professionals or team doctors to authorise substitutions, thereby preventing any potential misuse of the replacements, if properly regulated, would be a progressive step forward in modernising the sport and ensuring fairness, especially in a format like Test cricket.5. Harshit AhujaWhile injuries are a part of any sport, for a sport that is already grappling with complex rules, allowing subs for external injuries could invite more controversy. Unlike internal injuries, which can easily be faked, there is visual proof of external injuries but that still doesn't completely eliminate the possibility of teams misusing their substitute. A swelling or a cut makes for visible proof but it could be difficult to ascertain if the wound/injury is severe enough for a player to carry on or not. Also, while most team sports, like football, hockey, & basketball, to name a few, allow substitutes, there are others like Judo, Table Tennis & rowing that don't have that provision. Too bad that we can have a 10 vs 11 situation in a match, but it is what it Sidharth GulatiYes!Understandably, there's a grey area around 'external injury'. I feel that it should be left entirely to the discretion of the match referee, backed by clear medical proof. The implementation would need uncomplicated guidelines to prevent any misuse.7. Rishabh BeniwalInjury substitutes make even more logical sense for a sport like cricket, as every player's contribution is immensely important in the game. In a format like Test cricket, losing one player due to an injury, especially if they're your main strike bowler or premier batter, leaves a massive hole in any team. Hence, injury substitutes can be the way forward to provide an even contest between two teams if one player is forced to sit out. However, there should be rules to prevent its misuse by any team as the law has the potential to add more controversy to the game.8. Alan John This is something that the ICC should test out. The injury to Pant has essentially left India handicapped in two departments for two straight games as he will be missed as a batter and behind the stumps. Maybe, the substitute should be allowed only after proper tests from a neutral medical facility and only after seeing the reports. And yes, the system of only having like-for-like replacements should be implemented here as well.- EndsTune InMust Watch
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
On This Day In 2011: Pietersen's Double Century Leads England In 100th Test Vs India
Last Updated: India's 2011 England tour began with the 100th Test at Lord's — a match that saw Zaheer Khan's injury, KP's double ton, Dravid's hundred, and the start of a painful 4-0 whitewash. On This Day In 2011: Historic and traumatic, the Lord's Test of India's 2011 tour of England started on this day. Ranked No.1 in the world then, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Indian side embarked upon their toughest challenge to date, taking on Andrew Strauss' rising English brigade at the Home of Cricket for what was a special encounter. It wasn't just the start of the Pataudi Trophy but also the 100th Test between the two great rivals and overall, the 200th Test played in the game's history. The momentous occasion was backed by a huge turnout at Lord's, while TV and streaming viewership soared to incredible heights. With the world anticipating a gripping contest to start a long summer of exciting tussle between India and England, the visitors were left deeply embarrassed by an opposition that prepared for the marquee series twice as well. Reeling from fatigue and injuries amidst a quick turnaround from the IPL, India were already missing their instrumental opener Virender Sehwag for the series opener. In Sehwag's absence, Dhoni stood a little extra wary of a surface that carried a tinge of grass on it and decided to bowl first upon winning the toss. What followed would be recalled as the start of that Indian team's downward spiral, as Dhoni lost the leader of his attack, Zaheer Khan, to the most untimely hamstring injury in the second session of play only. Zaheer walked off clutching his hamstring and so did India's hopes of taking 20 wickets. England compiled a massive 474/8 declared, led by the amazing Kevin Pietersen's unbeaten double century (202). Swing bowler Praveen Kumar's 5 for 106 was India's only positive. #OnThisDay in 2011, the 2000th Test in cricket history came to a conclusion in England's Pietersen smashed a spectacular 202* in the first innings at Lord's to give the hosts a thumping 196-run win over India 🔥 — ICC (@ICC) July 25, 2020 While India's bowling was always their weaker suit, the batting line-up of ageing greats also faltered miserably. Even as the great Rahul Dravid produced an emotional Lord's hundred (103) to tick off the box he missed on his debut in 1996, India were dismissed for 286, with no other batter, not even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (34), providing Dravid support for significant length of time. With their backs against the wall, India needed an inspiring turnaround to come out unscathed and save a draw. Ishant Sharma's 4 for 59 in the third-innings raised the tourists' hopes, but wicketkeeper-batter Matt Prior's magnificent 103 not out once again shut the door on Dhoni's team. England declared again on 269/6, setting India a target of 458 and the best part of five sessions to play through to safety. Then, in a snapshot of what was to follow for the rest of the summer, infamous for India's abject surrender and the ignominious 4-0 drubbing, England ace James Anderson came up with a masterclass of late swing and ran through that great Indian batting line-up along with his longstanding ally, Stuart Broad. Anderson took 5 for 65 and Broad 3 for 57, as the two exceptional seam bowlers accelerated the Indian downfall for just 261. VVS Laxman got a fighting 56 before young Suresh Raina waged the battle with his courageous 78. But it was never going to be enough. India eventually suffered a painstaking loss of 196 to kickstart a procession of defeats that spanned across Trent Bridge, Edgbaston and The Oval in perhaps their worst ever series loss on foreign soil. view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 07:25 IST News cricket On This Day In 2011: Pietersen's Double Century Leads England In 100th Test Vs India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: ‘Playing through pain' - Sachin Tendulkar lauds Rishabh Pant's gritty fifty in Manchester
India's Rishabh Pant comes down for the batting during the second day. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: In a stirring display of courage and class, Rishabh Pant once again proved why he is India's heartbeat in Test cricket, battling through a toe injury to script a fighting fifty on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. The left-hander walked out to bat with a visible limp after Shardul Thakur's dismissal, triggering a standing ovation from the Manchester crowd — and admiration from cricketing legends worldwide. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Pant, undeterred by pain, struck 54 off 75 balls, peppered with three boundaries and two sixes, matching Virender Sehwag's all-time Indian record of 90 sixes in Test cricket. His brave effort, however, was more than just numbers. How and why Rishabh Pant's England tour could come to an abrupt end due to toe fracture India's cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar led the chorus of praise, posting on X: 'Resilience is about playing through pain and rising above it. @RishabhPant17 showed tremendous character by walking back into the game with an injury and delivering a performance like that. His fifty is a powerful reminder of the grit and determination it takes to represent your country.' Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh echoed the sentiment on Instagram, writing: 'True spirit shows up when the spirit is indomitable! Injury can shake the body but not the mind, good stuff @rishabhpant.' Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma also lauded Pant's grit in an interview with ANI: 'This shows how mentally strong he is. If someone does not give up in life, then they can make a comeback in life.' Poll What do you think of Rishabh Pant's performance despite his injury? Incredible display of courage Just a good innings Should have rested Pant's knock was not only inspirational but historic. He overtook Rohit Sharma to become India's leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship era, now sitting on 2731 runs in 38 Tests. The fifty in Manchester also pushed him past MS Dhoni in 50+ scores for Indian wicketkeepers — Pant now has 14, compared to Dhoni's 13. In pain, but never in doubt, Pant's innings was a celebration of resilience, a moment that left fans and legends alike in awe — and one that will be etched in the folklore of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
