Scrap T20I bilaterals; split Test cricket in two tiers - Ravi Shastri’s suggestions on hectic schedule

Former Indian head coach and veteran broadcaster Ravi Shastri has called for scrapping of T20I bilateral series. His comments came after debate rages on sustainability of the current jam-packed international cricket schedule, following Ben Stokes' shock retirement from ODIs.

Stokes, 31, took everyone by surprise earlier this week when he announced his impending retirement from the 50-over format via his social media accounts.

The Durham cricketer bowed out of the format at his home ground against South Africa on Tuesday.

On Capping T20I Bilaterals

Speaking on The Telegraph's Vaughan & Tuffers Podcast, Shastri suggested that the only way to free up the calendar is by restricting international T20 cricket to World Cups.

"I would be a little careful of the number of bilateral splits, especially in T20 cricket. There's a lot of franchise cricket that can be encouraged, whichever country it's in - India, West Indies, or Pakistan. You play fewer bilaterals and then you get together for the World Cups. So the emphasis on ICC World Cup events becomes paramount. Again people look forward to them," said Shastri.

Read: Michael Vaughan warns franchise cricket could be the end of ODIs and T20Is

On introduction of two-tier system in Tests

Shastri further called for introducing a two-tier system in Test match cricket, with 12 teams divided into two groups.

The former Indian all-rounder believes that restricting T20s to franchise leagues would also allow top Test teams to play against each other more often.

"I think two tiers are needed, otherwise Test cricket will die in 10 years. You need six teams at the top, and then six teams in the second and then you qualify. And those top six play against each other more often because of the corridor you open up by having less bilateral T20 cricket and just franchise cricket. That's the way all formats of the game can survive." he added.

Also Read: Stokes' retirement is a wake-up call for England ~ Buttler

The Road Ahead

Bilateral white-ball cricket has been facing a battle for relevancy for some time now. And, the choke-a-block FTP coupled with Covid-endorsed bubble life in the last two years has made matters worse.

The ICC is slated to release the schedule for the next four years in the coming days, and while bilaterals aren't going anywhere, for now, we might see a significant reduction in the coming years.