New Zealand’s cricketing icon Kane Williamson has issued a passionate plea to the global cricketing community, warning that Test cricket is at risk of fading into irrelevance if only the “Big Three”—India, Australia, and England—continue to dominate the format. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards in Mumbai on October 7, 2025, Williamson emphasized that the traditional format needs broader participation, deeper investment, and collaborative support from all cricket-playing nations to survive the pressures of modern scheduling and commercial priorities.
“They don’t fully support Test cricket’s growth” – Williamson’s Stark Message
Williamson, who led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, expressed concern over the growing imbalance in Test cricket. “If only three teams are playing the format, it will struggle to survive. While we enjoy watching those series, they don’t fully support Test cricket’s growth,” he said. His remarks come amid reports that the ICC is exploring a two-tier Test system that could further isolate smaller nations from marquee fixtures.
Global Test Cricket Participation (2020–2025)
| Nation | Tests Played | Series vs Big Three | WTC Points Earned | ICC Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 42 | 28 | 420 | 1 |
| Australia | 39 | 26 | 410 | 2 |
| England | 41 | 27 | 405 | 3 |
| New Zealand | 26 | 12 | 280 | 4 |
| South Africa | 24 | 10 | 260 | 5 |
| Pakistan | 22 | 8 | 240 | 6 |
| Sri Lanka | 18 | 6 | 210 | 7 |
| West Indies | 16 | 5 | 190 | 8 |
| Bangladesh | 14 | 4 | 160 | 9 |
| Zimbabwe | 6 | 1 | 80 | 10 |
Williamson Rejects Two-Tier Test System
The former New Zealand captain voiced strong opposition to the proposed two-tier system, arguing that it would widen the gap between elite and emerging teams. “The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division,” he said. Williamson stressed that Test cricket must remain inclusive, with all nations given equal opportunity to compete, develop, and host matches.
Challenges Facing Test Cricket in Smaller Nations
| Country | Key Challenges | Impact on Test Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Low revenue, poor infrastructure | Infrequent home series |
| Zimbabwe | Political instability, funding issues | Limited ICC support |
| West Indies | Franchise exodus, declining interest | Reduced player availability |
| Sri Lanka | Economic crisis, scheduling gaps | Inconsistent Test calendar |
| Pakistan | Security concerns, venue limitations | Neutral venue dependency |
Commercial Pressures and Franchise Dominance
Williamson acknowledged that the rise of franchise leagues has reshaped player priorities. “There’s been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it’s facing greater challenges,” he said. With players increasingly opting for lucrative T20 contracts, national boards are struggling to maintain Test squads and scheduling commitments.
Test Cricket vs Franchise Leagues: Player Earnings Comparison
| Format | Average Annual Earnings | Match Days | Global Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | $150,000–$300,000 | 40–50 | Moderate |
| IPL | $500,000–$2 million | 20–25 | High |
| BBL, PSL, CPL | $100,000–$500,000 | 15–20 | High |
| ILT20, MLC | $150,000–$600,000 | 15–20 | Growing |
Williamson’s Call for Collaborative Reform
Williamson urged the ICC and major boards to invest in Test cricket’s future by allocating resources, scheduling balanced tours, and incentivizing players. “The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive,” he said.
Suggested ICC Reforms to Revive Test Cricket
| Reform Proposal | Objective | Implementation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Revenue Sharing | Support smaller boards | Under discussion |
| Balanced FTP Scheduling | Ensure regular fixtures for all | Partially implemented |
| Test Cricket Incentive Pool | Reward players for red-ball focus | Proposed |
| Global Test Championship League | Expand WTC to 12 teams | Pending approval |
| Test Cricket Promotion Campaigns | Boost fan engagement and viewership | Limited rollout |
Disclaimer: This news content is based on verified public statements, cricket board reports, and expert commentary as of October 9, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute governance advice or player endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
