ICC gives its nod to Test Championship and ODI League
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given its go-ahead to a Test Championship and ODI League. The 9-team Test series league and 13-team ODI league, set to begin in 2019 and 2020 respectively, is said to be aimed at bringing "context and meaning to bilateral cricket". ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said, "This means fans can enjoy cricket knowing that every game counts."
Explained
The Test Series League
The Test series league will have nine teams playing six series over a period of two years, which include three home and three away series. While all matches will be played over five days, each series can have a minimum of two Tests to a maximum of five. The series will culminate in a World Test League Championship Final.
Information
All Test countries but three
9 of the 12 Test countries will take part in the Test championship meaning Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe would initially be excluded.
Summary
Significance of the ODI League
The ODI league to be contested by 13 teams - 12 full members and the winner of ICC World Cricket League Championship, provides a way for automatic World Cup qualification. For the first edition of the league, each side will be involved in eight series - four home and four away, each consisting of three ODIs, over a period of three years.