New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to expand the World Test Championship (WTC) to include all 12 Test-playing nations from the 2027–2029 cycle, shelving earlier plans for a controversial two-tier system. The move will see Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe join the competition for the first time.
According to reports, the proposal for a two-tier format, initially pushed by Cricket Australia, had suggested separating teams into two divisions, with India, England, and Australia in the top tier. The plan drew heavy criticism from several cricketing nations and former players who argued it would deepen financial and competitive disparities by limiting matches between the “Big Three” and smaller boards.
The idea eventually fell through after the ICC failed to reach an agreement on a viable funding structure. Concerns among top-tier nations over relegation risks and the loss of marquee series also contributed to the proposal’s collapse.
In the expanded 12-team model, every Test nation will be part of the WTC starting in 2027. Each side will have to play a minimum number of matches, encouraging greater engagement between higher and lower-ranked teams. The ICC, however, will not provide additional funding for hosting duties, leaving boards to manage scheduling within their resources.
“This ensures that every Test-playing nation continues to feature in the format,” a board member was quoted as saying. “It also creates more opportunities for developing teams to play top-level Test cricket.”
In a related update, discussions are underway to revive the ODI Super League, which operated as a qualification pathway for the World Cup before being discontinued after 2023 due to calendar constraints. The league could return with a similar 13-team structure.
Meanwhile, associate nations have proposed a revamped T20 World Cup qualification process modeled on the Olympic system, introducing a global qualifier involving both Associate and non-qualifying Full Member teams. This would provide fairer representation and new commercial prospects.
The ICC has also clarified that the emerging 90-minute T10 format will not be granted official status. All these proposals are expected to be reviewed in detail during ICC meetings early next year.
