Sri Lanka Cricket opposes two-tier Test system

Sri Lanka Cricket has outlined its strong opposition to the proposed two-tier Test cricket system, claiming that it "can't see any benefit for Sri Lankan cricket, the game, or the players". SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala also voiced concerns over the financial ramifications of a potential tiered system, and believed the current path towards full-membership and Test status for Associate sides, was adequate.

The proposal to split Test cricket into two tiers - with seven nations in tier one, and five, including two new Test nations, in the second tier - was mooted at the ICC's annual conference, in Edinburgh. BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said Bangladesh was the only country to oppose the proposed system, but SLC officials have said Sri Lanka was one of two boards in opposition.

The main benefit for the players is playing competitive matches. Sri Lanka's recent series against England was so completely one-sided. From a neutral point of view, this isn't good for viewership.

The two downsides, that I can see, are not getting the revenue from playing the top 3 teams on a regular basis, and not getting accustomed to playing in difficult conditions to help improve their overall development.

Of course, those downsides can be overcome as teams will be allowed to organise bilateral series outside of the divisional matches.