World Test Championship to Undergo Major Changes Before IND vs ENG 2025 Test Series: Reports

According to reports, ICC chairman Jay Shah and ECB chairman Richard Thompson have already started the discussion to change the current Test cricket setup before the start of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle in five months. It is anticipated that the WTC final between Australia and South Africa in June will mark the end of the present format, with Test cricket being differentiated into tier 1 and tier 2 teams. The two-tier structure is part of the plan to make competition ‘fairer’ as reports have claimed that the current system has several inconsistencies.

“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, but at this stage, no recommendations have been put forward," Thompson, who also leads the ICC's strategic growth committee, told The Telegraph.

“We will protect, grow and ensure the integrity of Test cricket because the format is crucial to the DNA of the game," Thompson said.

“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," Thompson added.

The current model has been accused of several weaknesses, for instance, teams do not play all the other nations within the two-year cycle and too many two-Test series affect the WTC points table. For instance, South Africa qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) final without playing Australia, and India and Pakistan have not played a Test match for a long time because of the ongoing diplomatic conflict between the two countries.

Four-Day Tests?

Reports indicate that there have been talks of four-day Tests, which would allow the cricket boards to program a three-Test series around franchise leagues. However, four-day Tests would not apply for big series such as Ashes or international games between tier-one countries. The new system might see the top-tier countries playing more. But the famous Sri Lankan cricketing hero, Arjuna Ranatunga, however, feels it will be just a bonanza for the big three boards alone.

“I understand the economics. Such a move will certainly line the pockets of the three boards, but sport isn’t just about Pounds, Dollars, and Rupees. Administrators must nurture and protect the game, not just fatten their coffers," Ranatunga stated.

“To run cricket, you don’t necessarily have to be a former player, but you do need to understand the spirit of the game – its values and its rich history. Unfortunately, when corporates run the show, everything is reduced to numbers and bottom lines,” Ranatunga added.

Criticism Against the New System

 West Indies great Clive Lloyd has however raised his fears and thoughts, saying that the system could be "disastrous for smaller teams".

"All these countries have worked very hard to get there. We have been in ICC for nearly 100 years. We have a great history and now you’re going to tell us, because of a monetary situation, this is how it’s going to be," Lloyd said.

List of ICC Full-Member Nations in Test Cricket