Aakash Chopra suggests two-tier system for Test cricket during WTC final 2025
Aakash Chopra proposes a two-tier system for Test cricket to address the lack of competitiveness among teams in the World Test Championship.
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has floated a suggestion for a two-tier system in Test cricket while the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final is on. Highlighting the lack of competitiveness among some teams, Chopra pointed out that certain nations have failed to come anywhere near securing a spot in the WTC final across the last three cycles. His proposal arrives as Australia plays South Africa in the last WTC final of 2025 at Lord's, with the defending champions having a 218-run advantage and just two second-innings wickets in hand going into the third day of Friday, June 13.
Talking in a video on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former opener queried the existing structure of Test cricket, contending that a tiered system could better balance out the competition. He pointed out that certain teams have consistently been below the top three rankings across the six years of WTC cycles, and there is a question over their position in the elite group. Chopra is making this comment because he noticed that the WTC was brought in to provide context to Test matches, but the absence of real contest between all teams prevents this aim from being realized.
Chopra explained his fears, saying, "Should Test cricket be divided into tiers? WTC was introduced since the ICC started realizing that Test cricket no longer has as much thrill. So they said they would put a little context in every match. The story is that the context has come, but where will you get the contest from?" He further added, "In my opinion, there is no contest because it's been six years since the start of WTC cycles; the last match of the third cycle is being played, but some teams have never come even close to the top three. Do they actually deserve to be in the top tier? Why is everyone in the same tier?"
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Chopra's Call for Reform
Chopra's suggestion of a two-tier Test cricket system will make the game more competitive by aligning teams according to their performance in WTC cycles. Dividing stronger teams from weaker ones struggling to compete, he feels the format would bring back the excitement and make the contests more meaningful, settling the imbalance that has haunted the championship.
Watch the video here:
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