Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has expressed serious concerns over reported plans by cricket’s “Big Three” – India, England, and Australia – to revamp the Test cricket structure. Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Ranatunga criticized the proposal to divide Test cricket into two tiers, a move that he warned would marginalize smaller cricketing nations.
“This scheme will prioritize games among the Big Three while leaving other nations to fight for scraps,” Ranatunga noted, highlighting the potential harm to the global competitiveness of the sport.
According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, discussions between the heads of the Australian, English, and Indian cricket boards and ICC officials are expected later this month. The proposed plan reportedly includes increasing bilateral matches between the Big Three from once every four years to twice every three years, further limiting opportunities for smaller cricketing nations to play against top teams.
Ranatunga, a staunch advocate for equality in cricket, said, “I understand the economics. Such a move will certainly line the pockets of the three boards, but sport isn’t just about Pounds, Dollars, and Rupees. Administrators have a duty to nurture and protect the game, not just fatten their coffers.”
He cited the example of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, who delivered a stunning performance at the Gabba last year, as evidence of the talent that risks being sidelined under such proposals. “Why would you want to deny players like him a chance by excluding other nations?” he questioned.
Ranatunga also condemned the growing corporatization of cricket, calling for leaders who understand the sport’s history and spirit to step up. He urged India, as a global cricket leader, to take a more inclusive approach. “India has always shaped world cricket. Leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya and Shashank Manohar had Indian interests at heart but also saw the bigger picture. That’s the vision we need today – not this inward, self-serving approach.”
He further warned of the unchecked rise of franchise cricket, likening its impact on international cricket to the club-based dominance seen in football. “Franchise cricket is spreading like wildfire. If this continues unchecked, players will pledge their loyalty to franchises, not their national teams. It will be a sad day if international cricket is reduced to a sideshow,” he cautioned.
Ranatunga concluded by calling for immediate reforms to restore balance and inclusivity to the sport. “The Big Three takeover was a terrible idea from the start. Everyone knew it was bad, yet it was endorsed overwhelmingly. Where are the checks and balances? Why is the MCC silent on this?” (Newswire)