Two-tier idea scrapped; All 12 test-playing nations to play in ICC WTC from 2027 - Reports

All 12 test-playing nations will be part of one division in the next ICC WTC cycle.

The next edition of ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is likely to feature all 12 test-playing nations. Moreover, all the 12 teams will be part of one division in ICC WTC 2027-29 as the idea to divide teams into two tiers did not find support in the recent annual meetings of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai.

Nine teams are part of the current ICC WTC 2025-27 cycle – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. However, in the next WTC 2027-29, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe are expected to be added to the tournament.

Earlier, there were plans to divide these 12 teams into two divisions. However, nations like West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who were expected to be part of the second division, opposed the idea, fearing that they wouldn’t be able to play against bigger nations.

12 teams to be part of ICC WTC 2027-29- Reports

A working group, led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, gave several recommendations to the ICC over the format of the next WTC cycle. The working group has proposed a 12-team tournament for the ICC WTC 2027-29, which will start in July 2027. Hence, Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe will be part of an expanded league for the next cycle.

The teams will be asked to play a minimum number of tests during the cycle. However, the exact number of matches is yet to be finalised. Moreover, no extra funding will be available for the hosting test matches, which could be an issue for nations like Ireland.

“It guarantees that everyone is playing Test cricket. Those that really want to play the format now have opportunities and there is an incentive for other teams to play them,” an ICC board director was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

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