Some Test-playing countries may face bankruptcy: Cricket Australia CEO warns

Dubai: Fresh off a gripping five-Test series between India and England that showcased the drama and endurance of red-ball cricket, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has issued a stark warning — some nations could be driven to bankruptcy if they continue playing Test cricket in its current form.

Greenberg said the sport must confront the financial strain on smaller boards, adding that the future may see fewer nations in the longest format. A working group, formed during last month’s ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, is already examining whether a two-tier Test structure is viable.

“I don’t think there is a right number of Test-playing nations,” Greenberg told reporters at an event marking 100 days to the Ashes. “In the future, scarcity in Test cricket is our friend, not our foe. We can’t force countries to go bankrupt by making them play Test cricket. We need to play it where it means something and has jeopardy.”

Growing game beyond big three

He cited the Ashes as an example of a series that continues to thrive because of its deep history and stakes, while warning that the format’s sustainability cannot rest solely on Australia, India and England. “Test cricket needs an injection of capital and resources… it’s incumbent on us to help the game grow beyond the big three,” he said.

Although he stopped short of endorsing a two-tier system outright, Greenberg said the idea deserves serious consideration. “I’m not prepared to say we’re against it until we see the details,” he added.

New venues for red-ball contests

Greenberg also revealed Cricket Australia is open to staging red-ball matches in non-traditional venues such as Queensland and the Northern Territory during the winter. Australia are currently hosting South Africa in white-ball matches in Darwin, Cairns and Mackay — with Darwin and Cairns last hosting Tests nearly two decades ago.

“I went to Darwin for the first T20I and it meant a lot to the people there. You take away the biggest variable — the weather — and the facilities are great. I can see Tests happening there,” he said.

— With inputs from IANS