ICC Considers Expanding WTC to 12 Teams From 2027 Cycle

The expansion or restructuring of the World Test Championship (WTC) appears increasingly unlikely despite ongoing discussions within the International Cricket Council. Earlier proposals around introducing a two-tier Test structure were reportedly dropped after resistance from boards such as the England and Wales Cricket Board. Instead, the ICC has been exploring the possibility of expanding the WTC from nine to twelve teams by including Afghanistan national cricket team, Ireland cricket team, and Zimbabwe national cricket team from the 2027–29 cycle onward.

Former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose is currently heading the ICC working group responsible for preparing recommendations regarding the future of the WTC. Initially, these proposals were expected to be discussed during the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) virtual meeting on May 21. However, reports suggest the matter has now been pushed to the ICC’s in-person board meeting scheduled for May 30–31 in Ahmedabad, on the sidelines of the IPL 2026 final.

Alongside expansion plans, the working group has also proposed including one-off Test matches in the WTC points system. At present, only Test series consisting of a minimum of two matches are awarded WTC points. The suggested change aims to give smaller Test-playing nations more opportunities to participate meaningfully in the championship structure.

Australia, England and Pakistan Concerns May Complicate Discussions

However, both proposals may face significant opposition. One major concern revolves around Afghanistan’s participation. Australia and England are currently boycotting bilateral cricket against Afghanistan due to concerns over the Taliban regime’s policies and alleged human rights violations, while Pakistan’s cricketing ties with Afghanistan remain strained because of ongoing political tensions between the neighbouring nations.

Critics believe that including Afghanistan and allowing one-off Tests could unintentionally create loopholes in the WTC points system. Since the standings are based on percentage points rather than total points, teams playing fewer one-off matches against comparatively weaker opponents such as Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, or the West Indies could potentially achieve a higher percentage than stronger nations playing longer, tougher series schedules.

Apart from WTC discussions, the ICC meetings will also focus on issues related to data monetisation, mobile gaming, and global broadcasting rights. One of the key topics will be the ICC’s media rights partnership with JioStar, which expires in 2027. Additionally, the ICC has reportedly sent a delegation to Sri Lanka following the Sri Lankan government’s recent intervention in the functioning of Sri Lanka Cricket.

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by Dwijesh May 18, 2026