ICC to revamp ICC World Test Championship points system - Reports

The new changes by the ICC will be implemented from the upcoming WTC 2025-27 cycle.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is looking into methods to make the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) more competitive and equitable, which might lead to some significant adjustments. A few ideas have been put forth to improve the WTC’s competitiveness and attract top-tier performances.

Changing the points system according to the strength of the opposition is one of the main ideas being discussed. This implies that winning the WTC series would earn more points while defeating teams like India, Australia as compared to the lower-ranked teams.

Big change in the WTC points system coming in for the upcoming cycle

If this move is implemented, England’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final will greatly improve, as they play both India and Australia in each cycle.

If this regulation had been in existence, New Zealand would have received more points than they presently do for their historic 3-0 Test series victory in India last year. Under the existing system, New Zealand’s triumph was worth the same as England’s 3-0 home win over the West Indies, despite the considerably different challenges.

Another proposal is to provide more points for away wins in order to encourage teams to focus more on international series and better prepare for difficult conditions. This adjustment could result in better performances on abroad tours and more balance in international cricket.

ICC plans to level the playing field

The new points system will be addressed at the ICC meeting in April. The goal is to balance the playing field over time, with India, Australia, and England playing nearly twice as many matches as the rest of the field.  

Furthermore, a seeding system may be implemented, which would weigh victories over the ‘stronger’ teams more heavily, making their journey more difficult.

During the 2023-25 season, South Africa defeated Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home while winning away series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. They also drew their home series against India and lost in New Zealand. However, they did not have to face either Australia or England, which many believe provided them an edge and facilitated their qualification.

Meanwhile, the existing format has long been criticized for favoring large teams, including Australia, England, and India, who play nearly twice as many tests as other countries.

However, any adjustments to the points system must take into account the continued lack of India-Pakistan test matches as the Indian government does not allow bilateral series between the two nations, complicating the system and perhaps confusing supporters.

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