Test cricket can survive says ACA

AUSTRALIAN Cricketers’ Association boss Todd Greenberg has called on the ICC members to improve the allocation of funds around the game, stating the future of Test cricket is in their hands.

Another comprehensive home summer from the Australian Test XI – the second in as many years – has again raised the conversation of the future of red-ball cricket.

The West Indies’ display in the Adelaide Test has proven the perfect discussion point.

The heroics and fairytale of Shamar Joseph taking five wickets on debut, the batting promise of Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze and others, the perseverance of Kemar Roach and more has all been on display.

Yet despite the clear talent, the first Test was over inside three days.

It’s a conversation that began last year, when the real possibility emerged that only three nations may be playing the longest format in a decade’s time.

Greenberg has no concerns over the funds that support the game. However, he called for a responsible allocation that allows Test cricket to flourish into the future.

“I don’t think there’s a revenue problem in global cricket, I think where the problem exists is the distribution of that revenue and then the prioritization of where that revenue is distributed and spent,” he said one SEN Test Cricket.

“Whether that’s in formats or globally in certain countries. I think there’s plenty of money in cricket, I mean the ICC’s global revenue is higher than it’s ever been in the game’s history, so clearly the game is in a great place.

“We’ve got to make sure the money is allocated to the right areas so that in the future, red-ball cricket and Test cricket continues and thrives, not just in the big three, India, England and Australia, but in other parts of the world so we can see places like Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and other places continue to play red-ball cricket and ensure that survives not just for our generation, but the next generation.”

A revamped ICC revenue-distribution model approved in 2023 saw the BCCI take almost 40 per cent of the ICC’s annual net earnings in the four-year commercial cycle, reportedly up to nearly US$230 million.

None of the other 11 full members of the ICC have a double-digit share in revenue.

Cricket Australia has been a big proponent of Test cricket, with CEO Nick Hockley last month promising to keep “championing” for longer Test series.

– SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN