Weakest nations may be downgraded to 'A' Tests

As the World Cup prepared to limp into its second stage it emerged yesterday that the international game might be remodelled to help it throw away the crutches in future. The world Test championship faces an overhaul that could see weaker teams downgraded, while the number of teams playing one-day cricket may be increased.

The changes were indicated at a briefing to discuss the progress of the eighth World Cup. Despite rain-affected matches and match boycotts which have led to a bizarre line-up in the Super Six round, Dr Ali Bacher, the tournament's executive director, insisted that everything was hunky-dory. But his confident assertions could not conceal the huge imbalance in ability at the supposed top level of the sport.

David Richardson, the International Cricket Council's cricket manager, said that changes would be discussed in June when the executive board meets. "There will probably be certain ideas put forward," he said. "Bangladesh's results have not been great. There is no automatic way to get Test status at the moment. For instance, why should Bangladesh play Tests when Kenya do not."

Richardson said that it might be possible for the top eight nations to play series among themselves with the others playing 'A' Test matches.

The ICC has 10 full members who play Test matches but Bangladesh, who were granted the status three years ago, have been a disaster. Of their 17 Test matches, they have lost 16, nine of them by an innings. They have not won a one-day international for four years.

The world Test championship was formally inaugurated two years ago to ensure that each country played in home and away series at least once every five years. Richardson said that the programme should be changed.

To ensure the mission to globalise the game continues, there would be an increase in one-day nations. Bacher said 16 teams could play in the next World Cup in the West Indies, two more than in this tournament. Perversely, that would shorten it with the teams split into four groups of four.

"I agree this World Cup has been very long," said Bacher. But according to him that is its solitary weakness, with ticket sales, stadiums, pitches, volunteer staff and television coverage all "fantastic".