The modern polarisation of wealth continues to become increasingly evident across social, cultural, and sporting divides. Act first, think later. Meet your targets—or else. You cannot help but wonder if this is the directive behind the conception of “Two-Tiered Test Cricket”.

A report from The Melbourne Age suggests that ICC chair Jay Shah will soon meet with his counterparts from England and Australia to discuss a potential two-tier system. The proposal would divide Test nations into a seven-team top tier—featuring England, Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand—and a second division comprising West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe.

With Test cricket constantly striving to attract attention—and, more importantly, wealth—could this move ultimately restrict opportunities for second-tier nations? We fear for England. Let’s be honest, Ireland is a hard place to go when we are eventually relegated.

The politicians are circling, and the usual power brokers are urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a firm stand against Afghanistan, all in response to the Taliban’s flagrant violations of women’s rights. Yet, we haven’t heard a whole lot from Jay Shah have we? Now, the England men’s team is being nudged toward boycotting next month’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. It’s a fine idea in theory, though boycotts tend to make headlines without ever really moving the needle. Meanwhile, ECB chair Richard Gould has written to the ICC, demanding change. Bold words, no doubt, but the question remains: will they carry weight beyond the comfortable confines of the boardroom?

It’s a delicate situation—sensitive, complex, and steeped in the murky waters of global politics. And as usual, it’s the people on the ground who are left to deal with the consequences. Cricket is the latest sport to be drawn into this moral quagmire.

Imagine. It’s half past four, and you’ve stumbled into some terrible Shoreditch bar. The numbers are thinning, sunlight is creeping through the awful neon windows, and frankly, you’ve had more than enough. But then there’s that one friend—let’s call him Jimmy—who just won’t quit. “There’s another place open ‘til 7 AM!” he bellows across the deserted dancefloor, staggering up to the bar for another round of tequila and Heinekens. Against all better judgment, you’re swept up into his relentless orbit.

Well, our very own Jimmy Anderson is going around again, searching for what’s still open. He’s got that same feverish addiction—to wickets and tequila—that needs feeding. Beware, county cricket top orders: the GOAT isn’t done yet.

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Issue: Weekly Picks - Cricket is showing its Cracks
Publisher: J. LaLonde
Editor-At-Large: Angus Wilson
Contributing Writer: Ollie Goodwin