DHAKA: Associate teams will have the opportunity to play Test cricket, with the ICC Board approving an ICC Test Challenge, which will take place every four years between the lowest-ranked Test team and the winner of the ICC Intercontinental Cup.

According to the new proposal, the side ranked 10th in the ICC Test rankings on December 31, 2017, or at the conclusion of any series in progress at that time, will play two five-day Tests at home and two five-day Tests away against the winner of the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.

The Test challenge is not, however, intended to be a relegation process for any Full Member who may be defeated in the contest.

"The ICC Test Challenge now opens the door for Associate Members to play Test cricket and in doing so gives even greater context to the ICC Intercontinental Cup which will now be a pathway to Test cricket," ICC chief executive David Richardson, said at the end of the two-day board meeting in Dubai.

Full Member nations will not, it is understood, lose their status and voting rights and their FTP arrangements are also expected to be completed.

Source: espncricinfo

BDST: 1935 HRS, APR 10, 2013