Test cricket, often introduced as the gentleman's game, finds itself in the middle of another dispute, with the proposed two-tier structure drawing criticism from cricketing legends. Among the strongest voices of opposition is Clive Lloyd, the iconic former West Indies captain, who believes that such a system would sideline emerging cricket nations and betray the sport's essence.

The legendary skipper, who led the West Indies through an unbeaten streak of 27 Test matches and to two World Cup victories in the 1970s, minced no words in expressing his concerns. “I am very disturbed about this, and I’m hoping that something is done. It must be stopped now. We’re not talking about 30 or 40 cricket teams—it’s ten teams. We should be able to have a system where everybody should be playing cricket often,” he told IANS.

Key proponent to Lloyd's opposition lies the increasing disparity between leading Test nations and their lower-ranked counterparts. If the proposed system, which includes relegation and promotion, becomes a reality, the legendary West Indies captain fears that emerging teams will be consigned to mediocrity.

“You can only improve by playing against better opposition. You cannot be playing among yourselves in a lower league and get up there," Lloyd warned, stressing that restricting teams to a lower tier would erode competitiveness and limit opportunities for development.

The idea of a two-tier Test structure is not new, first surfacing in 2016, but it failed to gain traction due to pushback from several cricket boards. It has reemerged with reports suggesting high-level talks among Cricket Australia’s chairperson Mike Baird, ECB’s Richard Thompson, and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. If implemented, the system would allow cricket powerhouses like India, England, and Australia to face off more frequently, marginalising smaller cricketing nations.

But Test cricket, Lloyd insists, deserves better. “Not everybody wants to watch T20 cricket. We want to watch Test cricket because T20 cricket is an exhibition, while Test cricket is an examination,” he said, lamenting the disproportionate focus on the shorter format.

For the West Indies, once a global cricketing powerhouse, the implications of this system are dire. Lloyd underscored how the region’s unique challenges—its small population, dependence on multiple islands, and financial struggles—demand special consideration. “We have a great history, and now you’re going to tell us, because of a monetary situation, this is how it’s going to be.”

The challenges of sustaining cricket in the Caribbean are well known, with T20 leagues luring away players and logistical costs impacting domestic tournaments. Lloyd believes the ICC must take responsibility. "We were the cash cows for a lot of countries over the years... Now we’re in a situation where we need help, and we can’t get it.”

Beyond immediate financial concerns, Lloyd emphasised the rich legacy of West Indies cricket and its pivotal role in shaping the game. “Look at our achievements... We worked hard for what we achieved over that period. In the 1970s, we helped England by playing county cricket, and their cricket got that lift,” he reminded.

For Lloyd, the solution lies in a more inclusive approach, ensuring all Test-playing nations receive equal opportunities and resources to compete. "A better system would be to give teams the same amount of money so they can get the tools to improve," he suggested.

As cricket’s global custodians deliberate the sport’s future, Lloyd’s words are a reminder of the values that Test cricket represents. It is a battle to preserve not just a format but the soul of cricket itself.