Sun Jan 26 11:30:22 UTC 2025: ## Cricket Legend Chappell Slams ICC for Favoring Wealthy Boards, Neglecting Test Cricket
**Sydney, Australia** – Australian cricket legend Ian Chappell has launched a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the governing body of allowing financially powerful nations to dictate the cricket calendar to their own advantage. In a column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell lamented the ICC’s perceived lack of control, arguing that a fundamental shift is needed to prevent the continued prioritization of wealthy boards over the overall health of the game.
Chappell contends that the ICC’s current approach fosters a self-serving schedule that benefits only a select few nations. He describes the idea of a competent ICC as a “pipe dream,” citing the explosion of T20 cricket and the chaotic scheduling as evidence of the governing body’s failings. He further criticized the ICC’s inaction on slow over-rates, arguing that such issues damage the long-term appeal of the sport, especially Test cricket.
Chappell also questioned the granting of Test status to nations like Ireland and Afghanistan, raising concerns about their infrastructure to sustain participation in the longer format. He highlighted the financial burden of Test cricket, suggesting that a two-tier system might be necessary. He pointed out the financial attractiveness of T20 cricket, which often overshadows the less lucrative Test matches in the decision-making of administrators.
While advocating for a two-tiered Test system, Chappell emphasized that more immediate issues, such as fairer scheduling and addressing slow over-rates, require urgent attention. He called on the ICC to assume a more assertive leadership role to safeguard the future of cricket, particularly the struggling Test format, and improve its relevance in the global sporting landscape.
First Piper 