Arjuna Ranatunga voices concerns over Big Three’s proposed Test Cricket restructuring | Cricket News – Times of India

Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga has voiced his apprehension regarding a proposed restructuring of Test cricket by cricket’s dominant forces: India, England, and Australia.
This restructuring involves a two-tiered system, prioritising matches between these three nations. This could potentially hinder the development of cricket in smaller cricketing nations, according to Ranatunga.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the cricket board heads of these three countries are scheduled to meet with ICC officials this month.
This meeting will discuss the proposed system and an increase in the frequency of Test matches among the “Big Three.”
The proposal suggests these teams play each other twice every three years, instead of the current once every four years.
This increased frequency could limit matches against other nations like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Ranatunga criticized the plan, viewing it as prioritizing financial gain over the sport’s integrity.
“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.
Ranatunga emphasised the potential negative impact on emerging cricketing nations.
He highlighted the performance of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, whose contribution was key to his team’s victory against Australia at the Gabba last year.
“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?”
The two-tier system could limit opportunities for players from smaller nations to compete against top-tier teams. This limitation could hinder their development and deprive fans of potentially exciting upsets.
Ranatunga criticized the increasing corporatization of cricket. He blamed administrators focused on financial gains for neglecting the spirit of the game.
“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 said.
He urged cricket administrators to prioritize the game’s global appeal and inclusivity. A corporate-centric approach could alienate both fans and players.
Ranatunga called on India, a highly influential cricketing nation, to adopt a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach.
He commended former Indian cricket administrators like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Sharad Pawar, and Shashank Manohar for balancing India’s interests with the overall well-being of international cricket.
“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.”
As a financially powerful force in cricket, India bears a responsibility to ensure the survival and growth of all forms of cricket, especially Test cricket.
Ranatunga urged the ICC and cricket administrators to reject the “Big Three’s” proposal.
He advocated for a more balanced and inclusive schedule. He suggested a system that provides all nations, regardless of size, the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“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.”
Ranatunga believes this approach is essential for preserving the essence of the sport.