The International Cricket Council (ICC) has responded to growing debate surrounding the World Test Championship’s future, confirming a revamp starting from 2027.
ICC’s decision comes in the wake of calls to divide the league into two tiers with relegation and promotions on offer.
However, the governing body has shelved those plans in favour of something more inclusive. According to reports, the next ICC World Test Championship cycle will now feature all 12 Full Members competing in a single division.
The proposal for a two-tier Test structure, which has been debated for over a decade, failed to gain enough support among member nations, primarily due to financial concerns and limited playing opportunities for smaller boards.
Under the proposed system, nations such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were expected to be placed in Division Two, something those boards strongly opposed. The fear was that a lower division would cut them off from playing the “Big Three” — India, England, and Australia — ultimately reducing both visibility and revenue.
Instead, the ICC is moving forward with a 12-team WTC, with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland likely joining the existing nine members for the next cycle beginning July 2027. The new model will ensure that every Full Member plays Test cricket during the cycle, a crucial move to protect the format’s future amid the growing dominance of T20 leagues.
While the exact number of Tests per team is yet to be finalized, the ICC is unlikely to offer additional funding for hosting matches, which could pose challenges for boards like Ireland and Afghanistan, where hosting Tests remains financially demanding.
For many, the decision marks a positive shift, ensuring smaller nations get a fair chance to compete in the longest format.
With bilateral scheduling already underway for the 2027 to 2029 WTC cycle, cricket fans can expect a more inclusive and potentially competitive era for Test cricket, one that keeps the traditional format alive while still respecting the sport’s evolving landscape.
