The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering new changes for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. All 12 full members may be included in one division instead of splitting into two tiers.
According to reports, a working group led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose has presented the plan during meetings in Dubai. The next WTC cycle from 2027 to 2029 is already being discussed by the member nations as they plan future series.
The idea of a two-tier format was dropped after several boards disagreed. Lower-ranked sides such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan were concerned about losing chances to play top teams. Big boards like India, England, and Australia did not want to risk relegation.
The new proposal includes Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in the same division, ensuring all full members get to play Test cricket. The number of matches for each team has not yet been decided.
The ICC is also looking at bringing back the ODI Super League, which ended after the 2023 World Cup. It could return in 2028 to give more meaning and structure to 50-over cricket.
The T20 World Cup will remain a 20-team event for now, but it could grow in the future. Associate nations have suggested a global qualifier system, similar to Olympic pathways, to make qualification fairer and improve revenue.
All these proposals will be discussed again in the ICC’s next round of meetings early next year.
