Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has issued a blunt warning — forcing every cricketing nation to play regular Test matches could push some boards to the edge of financial collapse. In his view, the sport’s oldest format needs a reality check if it’s going to survive in the modern era.
Not Every Nation Can Afford It
Speaking to Australian media, Greenberg said the cost of staging a five-day match can be enormous, especially for boards with smaller budgets. Between venue operations, player payments, travel, accommodation, broadcast production, and match-day staffing, the bill can run from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars.
For countries where stadiums aren’t full and TV rights don’t bring in enough revenue, that’s a heavy loss to absorb.
“I don’t think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play Test cricket — and that might be OK,” Greenberg said. “We’re literally trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket.”
Fewer Matches, More Meaning
Greenberg believes Test cricket’s strength lies in its scarcity. The more exclusive the format is, the more prestige — and value — it holds. Instead of trying to give every team a crowded Test schedule, he argues for fewer but higher-quality contests that fans actually want to watch.
This means prioritising marquee series that consistently draw big crowds and strong broadcast deals — like the Ashes — and letting smaller nations schedule fewer Tests that make financial sense.
“The quality of the contest, not just the number of games, is what will keep Test cricket alive,” he said.
The Two-Tier Option
One idea that’s been floating around for years is a two-tier Test system. The concept is simple: top-ranked nations play each other regularly in one division, while others compete in a second division with a promotion pathway.
Greenberg isn’t opposed to the idea, as long as it’s done fairly and every nation still has a route to play at the highest level — without breaking the bank in the process.
Avoiding the One-Sided Trap
While Greenberg didn’t name specific matches, recent lopsided series involving weaker teams have highlighted the challenge. Mismatches can sap fan interest, hurt TV ratings, and make it even harder for smaller boards to justify the costs of hosting.
The Bigger Picture
Greenberg’s message is clear: unless cricket’s leaders balance tradition with economic reality, smaller nations may simply walk away from the format. That could mean fewer teams in the Test arena — but the matches we do get might be stronger, more competitive, and worth every ball.
For purists, that’s a tough pill to swallow. But for those looking to keep Test cricket alive in the long run, it might just be the only way forward.
Read more at sportupia
