Tier 1, Tier 2... Worth A Try!

I believe there needs to be a shake-up in the FUNDAMENTAL SET-UP of Test cricket’s structure. Plaguing the structure today is the difference in the performance levels of the top half and the bottom half of Test-playing nations.

- Deep Dasgupta

In this age of T20 cricket, Test cricket still manages to hold its own. But, for how long? Like for many, my most favoured format is Test match cricket. Having said that, one can’t deny that stadiums are empty for Test matches, broadcasters are losing money beaming Test cricket and viewership is going down every passing day. Let’s accept there is a crisis, however small it might be,

“LIKE FOR MANY, my most favoured format is Test match cricket. Having said that, one can’t deny that stadiums are empty for Test matches, broadcasters are losing money beaming Test cricket and viewership is going down every passing day,” writes the author. and it needs to be addressed.

Whenever I hear talk about Test cricket, it sounds like a CSR project. To be fair to the authorities, they have been trying to make it more attractive. The Day-night Test is a step in the right direction, it is a work in progress and needs R&D, especially with the pink ball. The BCCI did a fantastic job last home season by scheduling Test matches in non-traditional venues and getting kids to the ground to watch their heroes play in whites. At the financial level also, BCCI has increased Test match fees considerably, thus incentivising the longer format. All these steps are important, but are they enough?