The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to discuss a major expansion of the World Test Championship (WTC), with the number of participating teams likely to increase from nine to 12 in future cycles. The proposal has been recommended by an ICC working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose. The move is aimed at providing more opportunities to emerging Test-playing nations including Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

Working Group Recommendations

According to reports, the ICC had formed the working group last year to evaluate possible structural reforms for the World Test Championship. The panel has now suggested expanding participation and making the competition more inclusive for full-member nations currently outside the regular WTC structure. At present, only nine teams compete in the championship cycle.

More Teams May Get Opportunity

If approved, the revised structure could allow teams like Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe to compete regularly in the WTC for the first time. Cricket administrators believe the change could help strengthen Test cricket globally and encourage smaller nations to invest more in the longest format of the game. The proposal is also being viewed as an effort to balance the competitive gap between established and emerging cricket nations.

ICC Meetings Scheduled

The ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) is expected to discuss the proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for May 21. Following that, the ICC Board will hold an in-person meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30 and 31 during the IPL final weekend. The discussions are expected to focus on the future structure of Test cricket, scheduling challenges and financial implications of expansion.

Final Decision Likely in July

A final decision on the proposed WTC expansion could be taken during the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July. The AGM will take place after the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England from June 12 to July 5. Sources indicated that member boards are currently evaluating the long-term impact of increasing participation in the championship.

One-Test Series Proposal

The ICC working group has also recommended including one-match Test series in the WTC points system. Under the current format, a bilateral series must consist of at least two Test matches to be counted in the World Test Championship standings. If implemented, the proposed change could help smaller cricket boards host more meaningful Test matches without the financial burden of organising longer series.

Current WTC Cycle Unchanged

Despite the recommendations, reports suggest that the ongoing WTC structure is likely to remain unchanged until the 2027–29 cycle. The fourth cycle of the World Test Championship is currently underway, and major structural reforms may only be introduced afterward. Under the present format, the nine participating teams play six bilateral series over two years — three at home and three away.

England to Host 2027 Final

The current ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) will conclude in March next year. The next World Test Championship final is scheduled to be played in England in June 2027. England has hosted all WTC finals so far, including the inaugural final won by New Zealand national cricket team.

Venue Shift for ICC Meetings

The ICC’s quarterly meetings were initially planned in Doha, Qatar. However, the venue was shifted to Ahmedabad due to regional security concerns and tensions in West Asia. The venue change has also drawn attention because of uncertainty surrounding the participation of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

PCB Chairman’s Visit Uncertain

With political relations between India and Pakistan remaining sensitive, it is still unclear whether Mohsin Naqvi will travel to India for the ICC meetings or join virtually. The matter is being closely watched by cricket administrators as the meetings are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of international Test cricket.

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