Ian Chappell calls ICC an ‘event management company’, says it doesn’t run cricket

Ian Chappell criticizes ICC's financial influence on Test cricket, advocates for two-tier system, and emphasizes need for urgent improvements.

Describing the ICC as an "event management company", former Australia captain Ian Chappell has observed that the financially stronger boards are getting their way in producing self-serving schedule while harming the interest of Test cricket.

Chappell also felt that a viable two-tier system for Test cricket should have been in place by now but added that other pressing matters need urgent attention to keep the game's traditional format relevant.

"On the subject of a two-tier Test system, former West Indies pace-bowling champion Michael Holding noted: 'For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs soccer. The ICC must run cricket'," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

"Therein lies a perplexing problem. The ICC doesn't run cricket, and unless there's a major change of heart, the financially desirable nations will continue to have a huge say in producing a self-serving schedule." Chappell though agreed that the game's financial engine India's influence is proportional to their contribution.

"Then there's the major issue of the financial split. The big three — India, Australia and England — despite being the wealthiest cricket nations claim a large slice of the money divided among cricket bodies, and yet they agitate for an even larger share.

"India's powerful presence in the ICC is in direct proportion to their contribution of around 70% of cricket's income. It's a complex issue to which cricket hasn't found a workable solution."

A proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions, which will ensure more high-stakes matches featuring bigger teams such as India, Australia and England, is under discussion.