WTC 2025-27 Cycle Resumes: Bangladesh Hosts Pakistan in Crucial Test Series

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle resumes this week with Bangladesh hosting Pakistan in a pivotal Test series. Australia leads the standings, followed closely by New Zealand and South Africa. As teams vie for a top-two finish, the pressure mounts on India and England to improve their positions. With each series now critical, the focus shifts to consistency and adaptability as the race to Lord's intensifies. Read on to explore the current standings and upcoming challenges for each team.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 02:18 IST

WTC 2025-27 Cycle Kicks Off with Bangladesh vs. Pakistan

Dubai [UAE], May 6: The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-27 is set to recommence this week, with Bangladesh welcoming Pakistan for a Test series starting May 8. This marks the return of red-ball cricket after a nearly five-month hiatus.

As the competition for a spot in the final at Lord's intensifies, teams are strategizing their campaigns to secure a top-two finish, as reported by the ICC.

Australia currently leads the standings, having enjoyed a successful run that includes a 4-1 victory in the Ashes series at home and a clean sweep against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

With seven wins out of eight Tests and an impressive points percentage of 87.50, the 2023 champions have set a high standard and are strong contenders for a third consecutive appearance in the WTC final.

New Zealand holds the second position after a convincing 2-0 series win over the West Indies at home. Although they have played only three Tests, their points percentage of 77.78 keeps them in a favorable position ahead of challenging tours to England and Australia.

Defending champions South Africa are closely trailing in third place, having achieved a historic 2-0 series victory in India—marking their first win on Indian soil in 25 years. With three wins from four matches, they have established a solid base, although upcoming home series against Australia and England will be crucial.

Sri Lanka, currently in fourth place, has had a steady start with a series win over Bangladesh. However, they face tougher challenges ahead, including tours to Pakistan and the West Indies, as well as home matches against India and South Africa.

Pakistan starts this phase in fifth place after drawing a home series against South Africa. Their upcoming tour to Bangladesh presents a chance to build momentum, with significant series against England and New Zealand on the horizon.

India finds itself under pressure in sixth position, having suffered a 0-2 defeat at home to South Africa, which has impacted their campaign, leaving them with a points percentage of 48.15 at the halfway point. With difficult away tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand, followed by a five-Test series in Australia, their chances of reaching a third WTC final are becoming increasingly challenging.

England is in seventh place after a disappointing series of results, including a heavy defeat in the Ashes. Despite starting with a drawn series against India, they have struggled to find consistency and must achieve strong results in their upcoming home series against New Zealand and Pakistan to keep their hopes alive.

Bangladesh, still searching for their first win, sits in eighth place with a points percentage of 16.66. Their drawn Test in Galle remains their only highlight so far, and the home series against Pakistan could be crucial for changing their fortunes.

West Indies are at the bottom of the table, having yet to secure a win in their campaign. With only one draw from eight matches, they face a significant challenge, although upcoming home matches provide an opportunity for recovery.

As the WTC resumes, the emphasis will be on consistency and adaptability, with each series gaining increased importance in the race to Lord's.