The International Cricket Council (ICC) is seriously considering a two-division system for Test cricket. According to British media, the proposed structure would divide teams into Division One and Division Two, each featuring six teams. A working group has been formed to study the model and will submit its report to the ICC by the end of this year.
Under the proposal, the top six Test teams would compete in Division One, while the bottom six would play in Division Two. This structure aims to improve competitiveness and give lower-ranked teams more consistent opportunities. However, the concept is still in its early stages and subject to further review.
British media reports suggest that, if approved, the new format could be implemented in the 2027 Test Championship cycle. This would mark a major shift in the traditional Test cricket structure, which has remained largely unchanged for decades. The move is seen as part of broader ICC efforts to revive interest in red-ball cricket.
One major challenge being discussed is promotion and relegation between divisions. Many boards are concerned about the financial and competitive impact of moving between tiers. The ICC will need to address these concerns before finalizing the structure.
The proposed change comes as the ICC also plans to launch a T20 Champions League next year and has awarded England hosting rights for the next three Test Championship finals. These developments reflect the ICC’s broader strategy to reshape international cricket formats for both competitiveness and commercial viability.