"Self-serving approach": Arjuna Ranatunga fires shots at Jay Shah, slams two-tier Test cricket proposal

Sri Lanka legend Arjuna Ranatunga has expressed concerns over the two-tier structure for Test cricket while also firing a warning against the proposed restructuring of the Test cricket landscape.

The 'Big Three' - India, England, and Australia - are reportedly considering the introduction of the two-tier structure in order to ensure that the three teams play against each other more often.

A leading Australian news outlet recently stated that ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah will meet with Cricket Australia head Mike Baird and England Cricket Board head Richard Thompson later this month to discuss the potential of splitting Test cricket into two divisions.

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In case, all the three concerned parties give the move a go-ahead, the two-tier structure would be introduced following the conclusion of the current Future Tours Program in 2027. The new system would allow India, Australia, and England to play each other twice every three years. According to the current format, the three teams play against each other twice every four years.

The system would also relegate other cricket-playing nations to a secondary status. As a result, teams such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, and South Africa would be marginalized.

Been saying this for years .. it has to happen … https://t.co/ReH4nKsu13

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 6, 2025

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Arjuna Ranatunga fires warning:

While only time will tell how things unfold in the coming days, Arjuna Ranatunga is not impressed with the plan. The 1996 World Cup-winning captain stated that the move could inflict irreparable damage on the game, especially in smaller cricketing nations. While criticizing the move, Arjuna Ranatunga said that the system would only prioritize profits over the integrity of the sport.

"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 must nurture and protect the game, not just fatten their coffers," Ranatunga told Telecom Asia Sport.

Speaking further, he highlighted Shamar Joseph's performance against Australia last year which helped West Indies register a famous win at the Gabba.

"It’s tough as nails to beat the Aussies at the Gabba, but this bloke was sensational. I’m sure even Australian fans appreciated that display of raw talent. Why would you want to deny players like him a chance by excluding other nations?" said the Sri Lanka great.

"To run cricket, you don’t necessarily have to be a former player, but you do need to understand the spirit of the game – its values and its rich history. Unfortunately, when corporates run the show, everything is reduced to numbers and bottom lines," he added.

Arjuna Ranatunga's message for India:

Arjuna Ranatunga also sent out a message to India and the BCCI, saying that as the game's powerhouse, they have a moral obligation to look after the smaller countries. He urged the board to take a more inclusive and visionary approach.

"India has always been at the forefront of shaping world cricket. Leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Sharad Pawar, and Shashank Manohar had Indian interests at heart, but they also understood the broader picture. That’s the kind of vision we need from India today – not this inward, self-serving approach.

"Cricket is more than a business. It’s a sport that unites nations, inspires young talent, and creates unforgettable memories. It’s the duty of those in power to preserve its essence, not to exploit it for short-term gains," said Arjuna Ranatunga.

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