Ireland to play first test in 2018.

[al Furqaan]

Originally Posted by horizon
No a playoff series against #1 of 3 will be played.

There is no comfirmation of this currently. The Test challenge was under the old system.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...t-championship

In addition, Test status would also be granted to two new teams – most likely Ireland and Afghanistan – who with Zimbabwe (ranked 10th), would not feature in the league system at first but still be guaranteed fixtures between themselves and against the top teams.

Should these three nations prove their strength over time, the Test championship could then be either expanded or feature new teams.

Similar stuff here:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/c...y/1080769.html

Despite talk of a conference-style structure with 12 teams, the proposals call for a 9-3 league. That is, nine Full Members excluding Zimbabwe will play each other in Test series either home or away once over a two-year period, at the end of which there will be a play-off between the top two teams.

At the end of a four-year period - of two cycles - the performances of these three teams will be assessed and it is here, presumably, where the Test ambitions of other Associate sides come into play.

Its not totally clear what will happen or even if it will happen. But there is no hard evidence that there will such a playoff for relegation at this moment.

ICC might well implememt that in April or June.

[horizon]

Originally Posted by al Furqaan
There is no comfirmation of this currently. The Test challenge was under the old system.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...t-championship



Similar stuff here:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/c...y/1080769.html



Its not totally clear what will happen or even if it will happen. But there is no hard evidence that there will such a playoff for relegation at this moment.

ICC might well implememt that in April or June.

Thanks for the clarification. I think now I interpreted it wrong!

[adamnsu]

The ICC has always been trying to get Bangladesh and Zimbabwe out of the equation, although I care more of the former. I am always skeptical when they make any move.

If it doesnt work in their favour and they get a major team in trouble, they will go back to a different plan

[al Furqaan]

Originally Posted by horizon
Thanks for the clarification. I think now I interpreted it wrong!

That is only as of now. ICC can always introduce relegation in April or June.

But Papon said BCB is safe so maybe he has assurances. Lets just hope so.

IMO, top 9 are proven sides and should not be relegated. Only bottom 3 should have the option to be promoted. Right now, none of the 3 are strong enough yet.