‘Real challenge for Test Cricket is financial modelling’ – Graeme Smith makes audacious claim on red-ball game

Former South African cricketer-turned-administrator Graeme Smith feels the five-day Test format requires a fair revenue-sharing system for survival in the midst of growing the number of T20 leagues overseas. Notably, India is the most significant beneficiary of the Apex Cricket Council’s revenue-sharing plan, generating 38.5 per cent of total earnings in the 2024–27 cycle.

India’s board would indeed get USD 231 million every year; the West Indies will receive approximately USD 27.50 million; South Africa will receive USD 26.24 million; and Afghanistan will receive only USD 16.82 million. However, Graeme Smith pointed out that the issue lies in fixing this discrepancy.

“Everyone talks about scheduling but the real challenge for Test Cricket is financial modelling. You have heard Johny Grave (Cricket West Indies CEO), he has been openly speaking about the revenue sharing model,” Graeme Smith, who is the commissioner of the ongoing Betway SA T20 League, told PTI Bhasha in an interview.

Indian Cricket is so blessed that they have so much talent: Graeme Smith

Notably, the 43-year-old cricketer revealed that the West Indies didn’t get any revenue despite winning the Test match against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. The opening batter feels players focus more on T20I contracts than national contracts owing to the money they get from playing in the leagues. Moreover, the stylish right-handed batter feels Indian cricket is much better owing to the money and talent it makes and produces.

“West Indies winning the Test in Australia is great for the game but they didn’t get any revenue for that tour. We discuss in MCC Cricket Committee meetings what should be the revenue sharing model to make nations so financially strong that they want to play Test Cricket. Players feel that they can make more money playing T20 rather than Tests. Those financial decisions eventually impact the format. Indian Cricket is so blessed that they have so much talent. When we talk about these two, their fame and their skills come into light largely through the IPL,” he added further.