Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow has promised to seek West Indies’ interests when the Two Tier Test system comes up at the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Two-Tier system has been trending since the topic was raised late last year, and ICC chairman Jay Shah is expected to meet soon with executives of Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board to discuss the proposals.
Admitting the subject is yet to be tabled at the ICC, Dr Shallow said in a talk show in Barbados on Tuesday evening that he will represent the West Indies well.
“Whatever decision I support at the ICC level must be in alignment with what is best for West Indies cricket and cricket by extension across the globe,” Shallow explained.
The Vincentian added, “I’m sure that if this matter were to reach the ICC, it would be well-ventilated, and all of the facts and rationale for whatever position would come before us. We’ll make a decision then.”
Currently, the West Indies lie eighth in the ICC Test Rankings, with Sri Lanka ahead in 7th and Bangladesh behind in 9th. There are 12 full member nations that play Test cricket. However, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland are not included in the World Test Championship, as only the top nine teams compete in the competition.
“Understanding of the potentials and so on, any implications for our countries, how we are going to support all the countries, whether you’re in whatever group, one or group two or whatever it is called. Or even if it is practical at all,” said Shallow.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe accompanied Shallow on the radio talk show and explained why leading fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was permitted to skip the two-Test Pakistan tour.
The Antiguan fast bowler, who has taken 111 wickets from 37 Tests, will play for MI Emirates in the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates.
Bascombe said they decided because the West Indies needed more spinners in the team for the conditions they expected to meet.
The West Indies team has picked fast bowlers Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip for the tour.
