World Test Championship to Maintain Nine-Team Format Until 2031

The World Test Championship is poised to continue with its nine-team format until 2031, despite increasing calls for expansion. As the ICC board prepares for a crucial meeting in Bali, discussions will center around the future structure of the competition. Advocates for including all 12 Full Members are pushing for change, citing the need for a promotion-relegation system. However, concerns about commercial viability and logistical challenges remain. This meeting could be pivotal for the future of Test cricket, with potential compromises on the table. Stay tuned for updates on this significant development in the cricketing world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 00:52 IST

World Test Championship's Future Structure

The World Test Championship (WTC) is set to keep its nine-team structure for the upcoming two cycles, extending until 2031. This decision comes despite increasing demands for the competition to expand. The topic is expected to be a key focus during the ICC board's meeting in Bali on Sunday, where members will discuss the long-standing proposal. Reports suggest that the board is likely to endorse the ICC's recommendation to maintain the current nine-team format for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 cycles.

As the WTC approaches the conclusion of its fourth cycle, its format has been a subject of considerable debate, including discussions about a potential two-tier league system. Recently, there has been a push to expand the WTC to encompass all 12 Full Members in a single division. This proposal, championed by an ICC working group led by former New Zealand player Roger Twose, has garnered significant support from Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, the three Full Member nations currently not participating in the competition. However, some ICC members remain skeptical about whether an expansion would enhance commercial value.

The WTC is primarily organized through bilateral agreements between member boards, with the ICC overseeing only the final match. This structure suggests that the governing body is inclined to stick with the current format for now. The topic has sparked vigorous discussions leading up to the board meeting, with the Chief Executives' Committee convening for over four hours on Saturday. Representatives from Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan made compelling cases for their inclusion, arguing that their absence from the WTC is detrimental to the growth of their Test cricket programs. They also raised concerns about the lack of a promotion-relegation system, which prevents them from having a clear route to join the top nine teams.

Cricket South Africa has also been a strong advocate for expanding the World Test Championship. Its chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, reportedly made a passionate case for the proposal during the Chief Executives' Committee meeting. However, the positions of the BCCI and Cricket Australia regarding this matter remain uncertain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed reservations about expanding the competition, citing potential travel and financial challenges, even though England has played one-off Tests against Zimbabwe and Ireland in recent years. The ECB and Zimbabwe Cricket are currently finalizing England's historic tour of Zimbabwe, which would be the team's first visit in three decades. Initially planned for 2028, the tour is now anticipated to occur in 2030 and will include a Test match at the renowned Victoria Falls.

The ICC board meeting on Sunday is expected to be a crucial moment for advocates of an expanded World Test Championship to present their case, although they are bracing for a likely disappointment. A potential compromise could involve increasing the competition to ten teams, especially considering Zimbabwe's strong desire for more Test matches. The African nation played ten Test matches in 2025, compared to just two so far this year. Additionally, the ICC board will review a strategic assessment regarding the future of international cricket, focusing on the sustainability and relevance of its three official formats. Global management consulting firm McKinsey, tasked with conducting this review, presented its findings in Bali on Saturday night ahead of the board meeting.