Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: As Test cricket grapples with an uncertain future, former South Africa captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith believes the sport is at a crossroads. While he acknowledges the growing dominance of the Big Three — India, England, and Australia — Smith remains cautiously optimistic about the survival of the longest format of the game. However, the signs of decline are evident. Many of the so-called ‘Next Six’ teams — South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the West Indies — are struggling to compete against the Big Three, particularly in the away series. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken steps to create a structured context through the World Test Championship (WTC), the disparity between teams is only widening.
Smith refutes the notion that South African players are abandoning Test cricket for franchise leagues but concedes that the landscape is evolving, with a clear divide emerging between cricket’s powerhouses and the chasing pack.
While there have been instances of cricketers opting for the financial security of T20 leagues over national duties, Smith insists that in South Africa, the situation is not as dire as some suggest. “I don’t think, or certainly not in South Africa, we’ve not seen players retire earlier or turn down playing for their country to participate in leagues around the world,” Smith said. “Obviously, every player is going to make certain decisions in their career. But in South Africa, that hasn’t been the case.”
Still, the rise of domestic leagues is undeniable. Smith acknowledges that global franchise competitions are evolving into a tiered system themselves, with only a select few leagues wielding influence comparable to international cricket.
“What you will see is Tier 1 leagues developing, like the IPL, SA20, and maybe a couple of others,” he said. “You’ll still have other leagues, but these will be the main ones. The landscape is shifting, and everyone is watching to see how things evolve.”
With bilateral series declining in stature and Next Six teams struggling to compete away from home, the debate around a two-tier Test system is intensifying. While some argue that only the Big Three will sustain the format in the long run, others suggest reforms — such as a restructured World Test Championship or even four-day Tests against weaker sides — to ensure the sport remains competitive.
