Big news is coming regarding the World Test Championship. All 12 Test playing teams are expected to participate in the new cycle starting from 2027. But the WTC will remain a one-tier competition. The two-tier system and relegation-promotion model have been in discussion between the ICC and the Cricket Board for the past one year.
The plan was shelved at the recent ICC quarterly meeting. Ambiguity over the funding model and lack of opportunities for smaller teams to play against top-ranked teams emerged as key issues at the meeting.
The matter was reviewed by an executive committee headed by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Toews formed by the ICC in July. But the promotion-relegation model could not be agreed upon due to opposition from the “Big Three” (India, England and Australia). These teams were concerned that if any of them were relegated to a lower division, they would lose opportunities to play against each other.
The ECB opposed the relegation-promotion model
England Cricket Board CEO Richard Thompson raised the issue in August, saying, “As England, we don’t want to go through tough times if we get relegated to Division Two and don’t play Australia and India. It’s not possible. It’s important to understand that common sense should be applied here.”
The inclusion of all 12 teams in the WTC is considered a positive step. According to this decision, each team needs to play a certain number of Test matches in each cycle. But no member shall receive any additional funds for organizing matches. While the option to distribute funds from the “Big Three” to other countries has not been implemented, the WTC will specifically allow teams such as Afghanistan and Ireland to play a certain number of matches.
A director of the board told the media that this ensures that every team plays Test cricket. Teams interested in this format will now get more opportunities and other teams will be encouraged to play against them.
ODI Super League likely to resume
The ICC is also considering resuming the ODI Super League. The 13-team competition was discontinued after the 2023 World Cup, but could be resumed for the next World Cup cycle. According to a director of the board, the return of the Super League could provide ODI cricket with a much-needed structure. The ODI format is still struggling to maintain its relevance.
