The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) could see some big changes, as cricket authorities are exploring ways to make the competition fairer and more competitive. There are a couple of suggestions to make the WTC more competitive and get high-quality performances.
One major idea under discussion is to adjust the points system based on the strength of the opposition. This means that victories against stronger teams like Australia or India would earn more points than beating lower-ranked teams in the WTC series.
International Cricket Council mulls major overhaul in the ICC World Test Championship
If this change is implemented, England’s chances of qualifying for the WTC Final would increase significantly, as they regularly play both India and Australia in each cycle.
If this rule was in place, New Zealand would have gotten more points than they currently have for their historic 3-0 Test series win in India last year. Under the current system, New Zealand’s victory held the same value as England’s 3-0 home win over West Indies despite the vastly different challenges.
Another idea is to award extra points for away wins with an aim to encourage the teams to focus more on overseas series and prepare better for tough conditions. This change could lead to stronger performances on overseas tours and create more balance in international cricket, which would ultimately make Test cricket more competitive.
ICC to discuss how the current format benefits some teams
Additionally, the ICC and the rule makers have also been discussing how the current format benefits some teams, and they may make changes to the format as well after South Africa’s qualification for the WTC Final 2025. There has been criticism that South Africa easily reached the final because of their schedule that didn’t feature Test matches against Australia and England.
During the 2023-25 cycle, South Africa defeated Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home and won away series against Bangladesh and West Indies. They also drew a home series with India and lost in New Zealand. However, they did not have to face either Australia or England, and many believe this gave them an advantage and made their qualification easier.
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However, any changes to the points system must also consider the ongoing lack of India-Pakistan Test matches, as the Indian government does not allow bilateral series between the two nations, making the system more complex, which could confuse fans.
WTC was criticized for favoring Australia, England, and India
Meanwhile, the current structure has long been criticized for favoring big teams like Australia, England, and India as they play nearly twice as many Tests as other nations. Given that Australia has now reached back-to-back finals after winning the title in 2023, India made the final in both 2021 and 2023.
But England has failed to break into the top three in any of the three WTC cycles so far, despite considering itself the home of Test cricket and having hosted all the finals. Well, these proposed changes, if approved, would take effect immediately, as they don’t have to wait for the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) to begin in 2027.
Notably, Cricket Australia has suggested a two-division format, which would create a more high-profile series featuring Australia, England, and India. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not shown much interest in this plan.
