The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is set for a significant expansion, as reports confirm the tournament will include all 12 full-member Test nations from the 2027-29 cycle onward.
This marks a change from the current format of WTC, which only features the top nine teams, and will see three nations joining the big guns for the upcoming cycle.
Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland are expected to join the WTC for the first time. The move comes after the proposed two-tier format failed to gain enough support among member nations.
An ICC official, as reported by ESPNCricinfo emphasized the inclusiveness of new format - "It guarantees that everyone is playing Test cricket. Those that really want to play the format now have opportunities, and there
is an incentive for other teams to play them"
The decision was made at the recent ICC Board meeting in Dubai, following recommendations from a working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose. While a two-tier system was strongly considered and nearly approved, financial disagreements and concerns from teams like West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan led to its rejection.
India, England and Australia refused to accept the two-tier system, which had relegation, due to financial implications for an elite team following relegation to the lower division. But no additional funding will be made available by the ICC for nations hosting Tests, a key concern for smaller boards, especially Ireland.
"Each team will be required to play a minimum number of Test matches, although the exact figure has not yet been decided".
This expansion aims to "ensure that every full member nation gets to play Test cricket. Players who truly value the format will now have the chance to represent their country, and smaller teams will gain experience and exposure".
In the first three WTC cycles, the finals were hosted in England, and ICC recently handed out the Final hosting rights to England for the upcoming two cycles as well. New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have won the first three editions of the Championship respectively, while India reached final twice.
