ICC consider Test, ODI leagues

Cape Town - The International Cricket Council has proposed introducing Test and one-day international leagues.

The ICC chief executives' committee (CEC) is recommending the setting up of a league to provide a context for all Test matches, with a champion coming from a playoff involving four teams. The inaugural playoff would be held in 2013.

A one-day league, the first running from 2011-14 and separate from the Cricket World Cup, would culminate in a ODI league champion.

Other recommendations on Tuesday from two days of talks include a change in the number of teams competing in the Cricket World Cup and the World Twenty20, and the introduction of Twenty20 rankings.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat was excited by what he said were "far-reaching" plans to shake up world cricket. He urged the ICC executive board to consider the proposals as soon as possible.

"The holistic set of proposals, especially introducing more meaningful context, means we now have the potential to follow international cricket that is even more exciting," Lorgat said.

The executive committee is recommending a 10-team format in the World Cup from 2015, a reduction of four compared to the 2011 tournament when there will 16 teams competing in co-hosts India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The number of countries playing in the World Twenty20 would increase from 12 to 16 teams if the proposals are ratified.

"Restructuring international cricket is a significant strategic challenge and one that must be dealt with," Lorgat said.

"Protecting and promoting all three formats at international level is viable and I believe the CEC has shown itself to be forward thinking in tackling the challenges."