Aimed at improving standards in the longest form of the game, a proposal is expected to be on the agenda at the ICC's Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh from June 27 to July 2. 

The only existing global competition for Test cricket is the ICC rankings, based on bilateral series arranged between individuals countries.

Discussions with full member nations about a possible competition for Test cricket and its structure are said to have already begun.

"If you want to create a real champion Test team, you need a competition that provides the same number of opportunities," Richardson told BBC Sport at the launch of the 2017 Champions Trophy at The Oval in London.

"That means the same number of fixtures, home and away, so that at the end of a league period you can crown a champion team.

"Realistically, with tours and broadcast agreements in place, we're perhaps looking at 2019 for it to begin."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has called for a promotion and relegation system following his country’s convincing victories in the opening two matches of their Test series against Sri Lanka.

England wrapped up the second Test by nine wickets on Monday (May 30), thus completing a series victory having won the first by an innings and 88 runs.

"Test cricket over five days, historically being played in series, lends itself to a league running over at least two years as opposed to a one-off competition where everyone comes to one country," Richardson, who played 42 Tests and 122 one-day internationals as a wicket-keeper for South Africa, said. 

"It will be quite difficult.

"Everyone wants to play Test cricket so we need to find a structure that caters to that.

"That could mean two groups or two divisions.

"We are looking to introduce a proper league system which will grow interest and make every series more relevant."

Richardson also confirmed an intention to stage an additional ICC World Twenty20 competition in 2018.

The event has generally been held every two years, however, there is a four-year gap between this year’s tournament in India, won by the West Indies, and the 2020 edition in Australia.

"There have been discussions with broadcast partners," said Richardson.

"It's too early to say if that will come to fruition.

"Following the success of this year's tournament and the opportunity the World T20 provides to associate member countries, it's something we're keen to look at."