SLC firm – No support for two-tier Cricket at ICC
Sri Lanka Cricket in a brave stance refused their support to the Two Tier ranking system which has been proposed by the International Cricket Council.
During the just concluded Test match at Pallekelle, ICC CEO David Richardson who was also present at the occasion took the opportunity to make a presentation on the advantages of a two tier system in World Cricket.
At the conclusion of the proceedings SLC secretary Mohan de Silva told the Sunday Times “They were very keen to ensure the acceptance of the Two Tier system installed in World Cricket and pointed out some of the advantages in adopting it and said that the game of cricket would benefit monetarily. At a time when more and more cricket playing nations are seeing the benefits of playing the shorter version of the game, some administrations see this two tier system as a lucrative option.
“But, we Sri Lankans still remember how difficult it had been for us to gain Test Status and we are not ready to change our stance on this proposal at in any event.”
Earlier SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala was quoted as saying ““SLC has decided not to support two-tier Test Cricket, as we are convinced it is disadvantageous to SLC and for its future. We are of the view that if you make it a top seven – you are almost relegating the bottom three to a different level. We believe that, if you are a full member of the ICC, there can’t be two tiers. If one talks of the bottom line, what would happen if India slips to the 8th position?”
Right now full members of the ICC, Bangladesh, The West Indies and Zimbabwe — definitely would be relegated into the second tier if the move works out. It is said that the players associations of some of the stronger playing nations are pushing for this as it would bring them a lot of monetary benefits through Television deals.
However de Silva also added that during their meeting Sri Lanka Cricket reiterated their support for four-day Test cricket — a concept which was initially mooted by SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala way back in 2003 when he was holding the very same incumbent position. He said “At that time he did not get much support, but, now the ICC’s think tank is quite interested in the matter”.
Meanwhile Australian spin bowler Steve O’Keefe who injured his right hamstring while chasing a ball in the field during the second session of the Lankan second inning is unlikely to be a part for the remainder of the Test series, though he batted when the chips were down in the Australian second innings.
Cricket Australia said “Steve will remain with the squad in Kandy until the end of the Test and will undertake imaging on the injury upon his return to Australia.”
Victorian left-arm orthodox bowler Jon Holland has been named in the squad to replace O’Keefe.