Two Tier Test Cricket format -the Three Musketeers India –England –Australia brokered and plotted strategy of ICC is set to get approval soon. 

ICC has ten full members which play test cricket. Given the growing popularity it is considered wise to support the cricket development of the bottom tier test playing nations and ICC associate countries to expand elite groups of ICC. 

But instead the two tier test cricket purely originated from commercial motivation would rather restrict test matches to few fortunate members. It does not require explaining that it contradicts with the spirit of globalization of cricket. It will affect the development of cricket in lower tier test playing countries including Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We are sure in the long run it may not even help the cause of ICC associate member countries as well.

Under the system seven top ranked teams of ten ICC full members will be playing in the first tier. Three bottom teams along with three top ICC associate member countries will play against one another with the provision of promotion and relegation after each cycle. 

We cannot understand how it will serve the cause of cricket at all. All ICC full member countries have put in years of efforts and endeavors in qualifying for full membership. ICC associate member countries rather must be supported to improve standards, creating facilities enabling them qualifying in future. FIFA always is trying to expand Football, the most popular game through increasing numbers of World Cup participants. On the contrary ICC is squeezing test cricket. 

The concept was launched two years from now. At that time initially six test playing countries- South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Pakistan ,Zimbabwe and Bangladesh opposed. Only New Zealand was with the three plotters India, Australia and England. At that time Mr Srinivasan of India was ICC Chairman. Cricket admirers in Bangladesh were on the streets protesting against such moves. But one after another weaker boards like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies started withdrawing their opposition making it extremely difficult for South Africa and Pakistan keep opposing strongly. Financially weaker boards were promised cash support and better deal in future ITP. But over the last two years situation did not change. Situation in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan did not change. India is yet to host Bangladesh in a test series after 16 years of Bangladesh getting test status.

Many believe that if Bangladesh could take strong stand against the concept all through the move could be nipped in the bud. For different reasons it was difficult for West Indies and Sri Lanka opposing strongly. Unfortunately when the matter was discussed in BCB only one board member Sajjadul Alam Bobby voiced disapproval and voted against it. All others thought it won’t harm Bangladesh in the long term.

It is comical reading an observation of BCB vice president now voicing his concern about it. If he and his other shallow vision colleagues opposed it BCB could not fell into the trap of BCCI engineered three musketeer supported two tier test concept. Given the facilities, infrastructure and sponsor backing India will always remain the cash cow. That cash will always dominate cricket till cricket cannot be truly globalized. We can already feel how organizing domestic cricket to competitive level has become extremely challenging in countries like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies and even in South Africa have become. The new concept may put back cricket development of most of these countries.

Bangladesh will be one of the worst victims. After years of struggle Bangladesh cricket has started emerging as very competitive internationally. In ODI it is already a formidable force. In T20 and test cricket it is gradually showing encouraging improvement. It needs to play more and more against top test playing countries for keeping the pace of improvement going. 

BCB has failed to arrange any series outside ITP through mutual discussion. Bangladesh for almost a year could not play test match. Countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and West Indies are having busy schedules. Not to speak of the top three and New Zealand. BCB is busy in making its favored club champion in local league through fair means or foul. 

What BCB is doing for strengthening domestic cricket? Very biased BCB did very little in improving competitiveness in local cricket .Poor and biased umpiring favoring the team of the board members, preparing substandard wickets, changing venues at will, not caring for age group and regional cricket, no planning for longer version cricket cannot help cricket grow.  

Why the very expensive head coach is allowed to stay on leave at his own sweet will. Why he cannot be asked to organize one to one session with national players and those hopeful? Cricket in Bangladesh is played in every nook and corner of the country. Why there is no effective program for talent hunting? There may be more likes of Mustafiz, Soumya and Shabbir. 

Professionals have to work with sweat and blood in earning dollars abroad for Bangladesh. Our head coach as according to media report earns 25-30 thousand dollars every month. He stays on leave most of the year. Who allows him? Does not he have any accountability? Head Coach must be made to deliver for the remuneration he is getting.

We are not sure how the late realization of BCB appeared from BCB vice president’s statement can help serving the cause. The decision of two tier test is almost there. Bangladesh, Zimbabwe has to play matches against Ireland and the likes. There is no guarantee that Bangladesh will win all. Cricket in Bangladesh is in danger of losing all it gained over the last one and half decade. We have read another media report about BCB director Sajjadul Alam Bobby expressing his genuine concern. He is the lone warrior of BCB. He spoke strongly against the system when it was discussed in the board and even voted against it. But others did not pay heed to his counsel. BCB executives will be responsible for reversing all gains of Bangladesh Cricket when two tier test playing system will make Bangladesh test status uncertain in not too distant future. 

BDST: 1325 HRS, June 29, 2016
AKA