‘West Indies might be stuck in second tier for 100 years’- Sir Clive Lloyd on ICC’s proposed two-tier Test system

Former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd has stated that if the proposed ICC two-tier Test system is implemented, then the Caribbean side might be stuck in the second tier for 100 years. Following their humiliating loss at the hands of the Australian cricket team, the West Indies Cricket Board convened an emergency meeting.

Against Australia, the West Indies scored just 27 runs, their lowest innings total in Test cricket history. Given the hosts' numerous problems in the red-ball format, the series caused concern among the past participants.

If a two-tier system is put in place, the Windies, who are now ranked eighth in the ICC Test rankings, will not be able to face the top four teams: Australia, South Africa, England, and India.

“To me, it’s not right”—CliveLloyd on the impact of the two-tier Test system

World Cup-winning captain Clive Lloyd has cautioned the nation that the Windies could be stranded in the lower division for a century if the two-tier system is actually put into place. Lloyd further contended that the board needs to challenge the ICC and insist on a larger financial stake.

“We have to look at what’s happening at the ICC with the share-out of the money. India, Australia, and England get 180 million, and the West Indies will get 80 million like Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and we are just two years out of being in that group for 100 years.

To me, it’s not right. We have to stand up. We have to go to the ICC and ask for special dispensation. Because when we were in the ascendancy, and we were playing so well, everyone wanted to play with us," Lloyd was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

With their superb fast bowling attack, the West Indies were the main attraction in the 1970s and 1980s. But as time went on, that gradually diminished, and the board found it difficult to keep its cricket players because of disagreements between the players and the management.

“We were playing Australia very often, with England very often, and when we went to Pakistan or India, we got millions of people [to the grounds]. We need to get a better share of the pie, because we were the cash cows for a long time. And we need to get some of that. I am hoping the board follows up on that recommendation so we can be adequately given the money that is needed,” he concluded.

However, the West Indies have shown signs of a comeback, as after losing the T20I series to Australia and Pakistan, they defeated Pakistan in the ODI series 2-1.

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