ICC Plans Fund to Support Test Cricket for Smaller Nations
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a new initiative to support Test cricket for countries outside the ‘Big Three’ (India, Australia, England). Starting in 2025, the ICC plans to introduce a dedicated fund to help these nations compete with lucrative franchise leagues.
Key Figures and Support
This initiative is primarily driven by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and has the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The fund aims to provide a minimum match fee of US $10,000 for players.
Financial Details
The proposed fund is expected to be around US $15 million. It aims to make Test cricket more appealing to players who often choose shorter formats for higher earnings. It will also help financially constrained cricket boards cover the costs associated with red-ball cricket.
Implementation Timeline
The goal is to finalize the proposal by Christmas, allowing it to be implemented next year. Although still in the early stages, the initiative has garnered significant support.
Additional Support for Struggling Boards
In a related effort, ECB chief executive Richard Gould announced that Zimbabwe would receive a ‘touring fee’ for their one-off Test at Trent Bridge next May. This marks a step towards implementing Gould’s idea of host countries paying fees to visiting teams.
For example, the ECB agreed to play three additional T20 internationals during their 2023 limited-overs tour of the Caribbean, generating significant revenue for the region. The ECB will also facilitate a tour of the UK by the West Indies Under-19 team as a goodwill gesture.
Doubts Revealed
ICC -: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket. It makes rules and organizes big tournaments like the World Cup.
Test cricket -: Test cricket is the longest form of the sport, played over five days. It is considered the most challenging and prestigious format.
Big Three -: The ‘Big Three’ refers to the three most powerful cricket boards: India (BCCI), Australia (Cricket Australia), and England (ECB). They have the most influence and money in cricket.
BCCI -: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the governing body for cricket in India. It organizes matches and manages the Indian cricket team.
ECB -: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is the governing body for cricket in England and Wales. It manages the England cricket team and organizes domestic competitions.
Mark Baird -: Mark Baird is the chair of Cricket Australia, the organization that manages cricket in Australia. He is leading the initiative to support Test cricket for smaller nations.
US $10,000 -: US $10,000 is the amount of money players will get as a minimum match fee for playing Test cricket. It is meant to make playing Test cricket more attractive.
US $15 million -: US $15 million is the total amount of money the ICC plans to put in the fund to support Test cricket for smaller nations. This money will help make the sport more financially viable.
Christmas -: Christmas is a holiday celebrated on December 25th. The proposal for the fund is expected to be finalized by this time.
