The next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is likely to feature all 12 Full Member nations in one division. Plans to divide teams into two tiers did not get enough support. The ICC is also considering bringing back the ODI Super League.
A working group led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose discussed the future of cricket’s three formats. The group presented its ideas to the ICC Board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) during meetings in Dubai last week.
Two-Tier Test Idea Dropped by ICC for WTC 2027-29
The ICC wants to finalise the WTC structure soon, as teams have already started planning for the 2027-29 cycle. The idea of a two-tier Test system was discussed again but dropped due to financial issues. There were suggestions that India, England, and Australia could support lower-ranked teams, but those talks did not move forward.
Teams like West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan strongly opposed the plan. They feared losing the chance to play against top sides. The promotion and relegation system also raised problems. The major boards were worried about the loss of income if they were relegated.
“We wouldn’t want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don’t play Australia and India? That couldn’t happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here,” ECB chief Richard Thompson told the BBC in August as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Instead, the working group has proposed a 12-team league. Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland could join for the next cycle starting in July 2027. Every team will have to play a minimum number of Tests, but the number is not yet decided. No extra funds will be given to host matches, which could affect smaller nations like Ireland.
“It guarantees that everyone is playing Test cricket. Those that really want to play the format now have opportunities and there is an incentive for other teams to play them,” a board director said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
ALSO READ When is Team India’s next Test Match after West Indies win? India’s updated WTC Rankings
The ICC is also looking at reviving the ODI Super League, which was stopped after the 2023 World Cup. “The Super League could help revitalise the 50-over format. Maybe the problem is not that the format is necessarily dead, it’s finding the proper structure,” said one administrator.
Further discussions will be held early next year.
