International Cricket Council

In its bid to provide the much needed boost to the five day game, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned proposals put forth to start a league style Test Championship. The plans discussed also include, cutting down on the 50 over World Cup, and try bringing up a more glitzy and gala T20 event. The plans were first discussed in the Executive Committee’s meeting last month and were finalized on October 13, 2010, in the Committee’s Dubai meeting.

The ICC’s future Programme includes a Test league running for four years, with the top four teams meeting for a play-off. The first play off scheduled in 2013, clashes with England hosting the Ashes.

A One Day league, running independent of the world cup, will kick start in April 2011. The league will group the teams on basis of the current ICC ODI Rankings, and will result in announcing the World ODI Champion in April 2014. The following league will be a shorter version with only 10 teams under its wings.

After being accused of organising a lengthy and tedious World Cup in 2007, with 16 participating teams – ICC has taken the flak head on and reduced the 2011 event in the sub continent, to 14 teams and the event being completed within 15 days.

The upcoming World T20 Cup, to be hosted by the emerald isle of Sri Lanka in 2012, will have the number of participating countries increased to 16. The success of smaller nations like Afghanistan, Nedtherland and Ireland has led to the ICC reconsidering of increasing scope for cricket’s minnows in the newest and shortest format of the game.

In the ODI league a 10 team league makes its tough for the Associate nations to qualify. The ICC has been requested by the Associate nations to consider their case and provide them more chances to perform at the global stage.

Tags: Cricket, ICC, International Cricket Council, ODI Cricket League, Sports, Test Championship