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'World Test Championship Must Be Fairer' WTC Format To Be Revamped Before IND-ENG Series

Akshita Patel

World Test Championship format likely to be changed in next cycle [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com]World Test Championship format likely to be changed in next cycle [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com]

The World Test Championship (WTC) is most likely to witness major changes in the next cycle of 2025-27. According to Telegraph, the ICC is contemplating changing the format so that fairness and uniformity prevail for all teams participating in the next cycle.

WTC 2025 finals is set to take place in June this year with Australia locking horns with South Africa to claim the mace. Australia are defending champions and have been in sublime form. For South Africa, this is their maiden WTC final appearance. 

Meanwhile, the upcoming cycle of the World Test Championship will begin from June 2025 with the five-game Test series between India and England. This cycle will last till 2027.

ICC to reconsider WTC format over uniformity concerns

However, according to the Telegraph, the WTC format for the upcoming cycle will likely undergo a significant change. The ICC is apparently holding talks over necessary reforms that can be imposed to ensure a fair chance for all teams to compete in the finals.

The main concern is uniformity as only India, England and Australia played more than 15 Tests in the previous cycle. South Africa, for example, barely played around 12 Tests. Moreover, most red-ball series between lower ranked teams lasted only 2 games, further adding to the disparity in total games played.

Hence, to curb that, the ICC is reportedly looking for reforms. ECB chairman Richard Thompson talked to the Telegraph and said:

"It is fully understood that the current structure does not work in the way it should and we need to find a fairer, better competition. We have five months to work on this, step back and look at what the structure should be going forward. The World Test Championship should be fairer and more competitive."

"It is going to change to ensure it always encourages the best teams to reach the final and encourages other nations that want to play Test cricket, to play Test cricket. We will protect, grow and ensure the integrity of Test cricket because the format is crucial to the DNA of the game."

Team India failed to qualify for the WTC 2025 finals after losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The men in blue featured in every WTC final held until 2025 and will miss the grand event for the first time.