World Test Championship Set to Maintain Nine-Team Format Amid Expansion Discussions

The World Test Championship is poised to continue with its nine-team format for the upcoming cycles, despite ongoing discussions about potential expansion. As the ICC board prepares for a crucial meeting in Bali, representatives from excluded Full Members like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan are advocating for their inclusion. Concerns about commercial viability and logistical challenges are central to the debate. The meeting may also explore a strategic review of international cricket's future, including the relevance of its formats. This article delves into the complexities surrounding the WTC and the implications for global cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 15, 2026, 00:49 IST

World Test Championship's Future in Focus

The World Test Championship (WTC) is expected to keep its nine-team structure for the upcoming two cycles, extending to 2031, despite increasing calls for an expansion of the tournament.

This topic is anticipated to be a key point of discussion during the ICC board's meeting in Bali on Sunday, where members will review the longstanding proposal. However, reports suggest that the board is likely to endorse the ICC's suggestion 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, the format has been a focal point of extensive debate, including discussions about a potential two-tier league system.

Recently, a proposal to broaden the WTC to encompass all 12 Full Members in a single division gained traction. This recommendation, led by former New Zealand player Roger Twose, received significant support from Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, the three Full Member nations currently not participating in the competition.

Nevertheless, several ICC members have expressed concerns regarding whether expanding the tournament would enhance its commercial viability. Since the WTC is primarily organized through bilateral agreements between member boards, with the ICC overseeing only the final, the governing body seems inclined to stick with the existing format for now.

Intense discussions have taken place leading up to the board meeting, with the Chief Executives' Committee holding a lengthy meeting that lasted 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 reportedly been a strong advocate for expanding the WTC, with its chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, making a passionate appeal in favor of the proposal during the Chief Executives' Committee meeting. However, the positions of the BCCI and Cricket Australia on this issue remain uncertain.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is believed to have reservations about the expansion, citing potential travel and financial challenges, even though England has played one-off Tests against Zimbabwe and Ireland in recent years.

Additionally, the ECB and Zimbabwe Cricket are finalizing plans for England's historic tour of Zimbabwe, which would mark the team's first visit in 30 years. Initially set for 2028, the tour is now expected to occur in 2030 and will include a Test match at the iconic Victoria Falls.

The ICC board meeting on Sunday is seen as a crucial moment for advocates of an expanded World Test Championship to present their case, although they are bracing for a likely setback. A potential compromise could involve increasing the competition to 10 teams, especially considering Zimbabwe's strong desire for more Test matches, having played 10 in 2025 compared to just two this year.

Furthermore, 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.