World Test Championship 2025-27 Kicks Off with New Rules
World Test Championship Begins on June 17
The World Test Championship (WTC) for the 2025-27 cycle is set to commence on June 17, with the inaugural match taking place between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium. Bangladesh has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, which holds significant importance as it marks the final Test appearance for former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who will retire from Test cricket following this match. Additionally, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will introduce a new rule during this Test that aims to curb teams' arbitrary decisions, enhancing the excitement of Test cricket.
Introduction of Concussion Substitute Rule
The first Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will see the implementation of the concussion substitute rule. Prior to the toss, both teams must submit the names of five concussion substitutes to the match referee, including one wicketkeeper, one batsman, one fast bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder. If a player sustains an injury during the match, one of these five substitutes will be allowed to play, effectively preventing teams from making arbitrary substitutions.
71 Matches Scheduled in WTC
On June 16, the ICC announced the schedule for the WTC 2025-27, which will feature a total of 71 matches played over two years among nine teams. The tournament will kick off with the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on June 17. Australia is set to play the most matches, totaling 22, while England will participate in 21 matches. India will play 18 matches, starting their campaign against England on June 20, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will begin their series on June 17.
Mathews' Farewell Test
The upcoming Test match in Galle will be a farewell for Sri Lankan cricket legend Angelo Mathews, who will retire from Test cricket after this match. The Sri Lankan team aims to secure a victory in this first Test to give Mathews a memorable send-off. The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Colombo from June 25 to 29.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other in 26 Test matches, with Sri Lanka winning 20 times, while Bangladesh has managed to secure victory in just one match, with five matches ending in a draw. The first Test between the two nations was played in September 2001, and Bangladesh's sole win against Sri Lanka occurred in March 2017.
Squads for the Series
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Pawan Ratnayake, Dinesh Chandimal (Wicketkeeper), Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dhananjaya, Oshada Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Udara, Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Priyanath Ratnayake, Isitha Wijesundera.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Zakir Ali (Wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Naim Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Liton Das, Ebadot Hossain, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Hasan Murad, Nahid Rana.