Why the WTC 2025–27 Could be Pakistan’s to Lose

The fourth ICC World Test Championship Cycle (WTC) has officially begun, and it could realistically be Pakistan’s best chance at breaking the hoodoo. Since the tournament began, Pakistan has finished fifth, seventh, and ninth—far from where they want to be. At no point have they looked like a team ready to compete for the top two, but as the new WTC cycle begins, there’s quiet optimism.

The Best Fixture List Pakistan Could’ve Hoped For

In every WTC cycle, each team plays six Test series—three at home and three away—but they don’t face every other team. In the 2025–27 cycle, Pakistan will not be playing Test cricket giants India and Australia, which alone gives them a major edge.

Australia and India are the two most dominant sides in WTC history. Australia have won one title and reached two finals. India have done the same. Avoiding both means Pakistan won’t have to play the two most consistent Test teams of this generation.

Pakistan also has the advantage of playing their three home series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. Hosting the reigning champions may seem daunting, but Pakistan won both its matches against the Proteas at home back in 2021. Sri Lanka have always struggled in Pakistan, and New Zealand haven’t beaten Pakistan in a Test series in Asia since 1969.

These six home Tests represent a genuine chance for Pakistan to put wins on the board and gain some much-needed momentum.

Manageable Challenges Away from Home

No Test tour is easy. But Pakistan’s away schedule this time is less intimidating than usual. The Green Shirts will travel to Bangladesh, whom they have dominated historically, with seven wins in eight Tests.

Their second away series will be against the West Indies, who, despite remaining capable of a surprise, aren’t as formidable as they once were.

By far, Pakistan’s biggest test in this WTC cycle will be against England at their home in a three-match series. Surprisingly, Pakistan has actually won more Tests in England than in any other SENA country, and any positive result against Ben Stokes’ team will increase their chances of making the final tenfold.

Pakistan will also play just 13 Tests in this WTC cycle—only Sri Lanka (12) play fewer. That might seem like a disadvantage, but for a side as unpredictable as Pakistan, it’s a bonus. Fewer matches mean fewer chances to collapse, and as South Africa showed this past cycle, you can make the finals even with fewer matches played.

If they can win the majority of their six home Tests and sneak a series win in Bangladesh or the West Indies, then even a close loss in England won’t hurt them too badly. With the right planning and a fit squad, Pakistan could keep themselves firmly in the race.

Caution Is Still Needed

Of course, Pakistan’s biggest enemy is often themselves. Internal politics, inconsistent selection, captaincy and coaching changes—all these factors have derailed promising teams before. And home advantage is not what it used to be in Test cricket.

But looking strictly at the schedule, this is the cleanest path Pakistan have ever had in a WTC cycle. No India. No Australia. Winnable series at home. Manageable ones away.

It’s now up to the team, the management, and the board to capitalise on this promising opportunity.

Pakistan’s WTC 2025–27 Fixtures: