The International Cricket Council (ICC) is seriously considering a major overhaul of the World Test Championship (WTC) structure ahead of its fourth cycle, which is set to begin with the five-match Test series between England and India in July 2025.
The current format has faced significant criticism from players and experts, with a lack of consistency being a key issue. As reported by Telegraph Sport, Richard Thompson, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the ICC’s strategic growth committee, is spearheading the effort to find a new approach.
He is collaborating closely with the newly appointed ICC chairman, Jay Shah, to implement a revised format for the next cycle. The two recently held discussions in Dubai to address the ongoing concerns. The proposed two-tier system is under consideration but has faced resistance and hasn’t gained traction yet.
“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 told Telegraph Sport.
“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,” he added.
Four-Day Tests Being Considered for Series Excluding ‘Big Three’
There has been a growing call for bilateral red-ball series to consist of at least three matches. Due to the busy cricket calendar, which includes both international white-ball and franchise cricket, scheduling has become challenging.
However, with many Tests ending early, the ICC is seriously considering implementing four-day Tests. Reducing the length would create space for an additional Test on tours, ensuring a minimum of three matches. This change would not apply to major series involving the ‘Big Three,’ such as The Ashes and the Border-Gavaskar series.
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