World Test Championship May Expand to 12 Teams

Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg has indicated that the World Test Championship may expand from nine to twelve teams in the coming years. As discussions unfold regarding the Future Tours Programme, the inclusion of teams like Zimbabwe and Afghanistan could reshape the championship landscape. However, financial sustainability remains a pressing concern for many cricket boards, potentially impacting the number of nations participating in Test cricket. Greenberg also highlighted the need for more multi-nation tournaments in ODIs to enhance the format's relevance. This article delves into the future of both Test and white-ball cricket, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 23:01 IST

Potential Expansion of WTC

Todd Greenberg, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, has suggested that the World Test Championship (WTC), currently comprising nine teams, might increase to 12 teams in the near future. The International Cricket Council (ICC) member boards are in the process of finalizing the next Future Tours Programme (FTP), and discussions about expanding the WTC are occurring concurrently.

Since its launch in 2019, the WTC has included nine teams competing in six series over a two-year period to identify the finalists. Each series consists of at least two Test matches. The upcoming cycle from 2029 to 2031 may allow teams like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, which typically engage in one-off or two-match Test series, to participate in the championship. A final decision is anticipated during the ICC meetings scheduled in Bali next month.

Challenges Facing Test Cricket

Greenberg also pointed out the financial challenges that some cricket boards face, which complicates their ability to distribute more funds than they earn annually. He stated, "Countries will need to make tough decisions because if revenue from the ICC does not maintain its current levels, or if they cannot establish their own FTP arrangements, they cannot continue to distribute more than they earn each year. This is the reality for global cricket in certain regions."

He expressed concerns that the number of Test-playing nations might decrease due to the high costs associated with the format and the growing preference among players for shorter formats. Greenberg remarked, "It is becoming increasingly difficult for countries to sustain Test cricket due to its expenses. This does not only refer to hosting Test matches but also to investing in systems that nurture red-ball cricketers. You cannot simply find 11 players to compete in Test cricket without proper infrastructure."

He added that some nations might have to play more away Test matches to keep the format alive domestically, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of how bilateral Test cricket is structured.

The Future of White-Ball Cricket

In discussions about One Day Internationals (ODIs), there were proposals during a recent ICC workshop in Dubai to organize more multi-nation tournaments to enhance the relevance of the 50-over format. One suggestion included an Intercontinental competition featuring top teams from various continents.

Regarding the balance between ODIs and T20Is, Greenberg indicated that there might be a fluctuating schedule where ODIs are played less frequently in certain years, particularly leading up to World Cup cycles. He emphasized the significance of ODIs in developing players and the commercial viability of the ODI World Cup, stating, "Everyone in high performance emphasizes the importance of ODI cricket in the player development pathway, and the ICC recognizes the ODI World Cup's critical role in the commercial success of global cricket. It is essential to find ways to make these matches meaningful."