Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has voiced strong concerns over the proposed two-tier system for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), stressing the historical significance of the Caribbean side. “We’re just two years away from marking 100 years in this group,” Lloyd reminded, urging cricket’s governing bodies to consider the legacy and contribution of West Indies cricket before making structural changes.
The potential introduction of the two-tier format has set off alarm bells within Cricket West Indies (CWI). Chief Executive Chris Dehring revealed that the board is actively engaging with ICC decision-makers to ensure their voice is heard.
“We have a seat at the table at the ICC,” Chris Dehring said during a press conference hosted by ESPNcricinfo, following an emergency meeting between CWI officials and legendary former players. This gathering came in the wake of West Indies’ humiliating dismissal for just 27 runs—their second-lowest Test total—against Australia last month.
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Dehring emphasized the need for proactive positioning. “We have to stay as close as possible to the changes, hedge our bets, and ensure West Indies cricket remains firmly in the mix no matter which way the wind blows,” he said.
Last month, the ICC set up a working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose to explore ways of enhancing the WTC ahead of the 2025–27 cycle. The two-tier proposal was among the hot topics at July’s annual ICC conference, sparking fresh debate among Test-playing nations. Twose, representing New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on the ICC Board, is expected to submit recommendations in the coming months.
Since the WTC’s inception, the West Indies have struggled for consistency, finishing eighth out of nine teams in every cycle. Their record—10 wins from 39 Tests, alongside 23 defeats and six draws—underscores the scale of the challenge. Yet Lloyd believes history cannot be ignored. Speaking alongside icons like Brian Lara and Sir Viv Richards, he argued that the ICC’s revenue distribution model fails to reflect the West Indies’ past influence.
“We have to examine the ICC’s shareout of the money,” Clive Lloyd asserted. “India, Australia, and England get 180 million, while West Indies receive 80 million—the same as Bangladesh and Afghanistan. That’s not right. We’re on the brink of a century in Test cricket, and when we were in our prime, everyone wanted to play us.”
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Lloyd recalled the days when the Windies regularly packed stadiums in Australia, England, India, and Pakistan. “We were the cash cows for the game for a long time,” he said, urging CWI to push for “special dispensation” in revenue allocation. “We need a fairer share to rebuild and sustain cricket in the region. I hope the board acts on this recommendation.”
The coming months will be crucial, as the ICC weighs its options. For the West Indies, this is more than a fight for format—it’s a battle for respect, recognition, and survival in the Test arena.
