KEY POINTS
- India and Pakistan have not played a Test since 2007/08, but both teams are among the strong contenders for the 2025-2027 World Test Championship final.
- India’s strong home and away performances make them one of the favourites, with their itinerary heavily featuring Asia-based Tests.
- Pakistan’s favourable schedule, combined with strong spin bowling, could see them mount a serious challenge, particularly with their strong away record in Bangladesh and the West Indies.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India, two of the most prominent cricketing nations in the world, have not clashed in a Test match since the 2007/08 series.
However, the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle has set the stage for a potential historic encounter, as both teams are strong contenders to qualify for the final.
Should this happen, it would mark their first meeting in the longest format of the game in nearly two decades.
India’s Record in the WTC
India has been a dominant force in the World Test Championship, consistently performing well across the three editions of the tournament.
After narrow defeats in the finals of the 2019-2021 and 2021-2023 editions, they finished third in the 2023-2025 edition, maintaining a win-loss ratio of 1.667, only Australia boasts a better ratio at 3.
The Indian team has been particularly successful in the subcontinent, and with seven of their nine away Tests in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, they have already picked up crucial points, especially against the West Indies at home.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2027 edition, India will be facing key challenges, including tough series against South Africa at home in 2025, and a high-profile five-match series against Australia in 2027.
India’s strong showing in Asia, where they have been dominant in recent years, and their continued strength in home conditions, makes them a strong contender for the WTC final.
Pakistan’s Rise and Favourable Conditions
Pakistan, with a much lower win-loss ratio of 0.7 across the first three WTC editions, might seem like an underdog, but their 2025-2027 campaign presents them with a favourable set of conditions.
After finishing sixth, seventh, and ninth in the first three editions, Pakistan’s fortunes have improved, and they are now among the teams tipped for a top-four finish in the current cycle.
With a strong spin attack, particularly in home conditions, Pakistan has made significant strides. Their recent form in the ongoing series against South Africa, where they lead 1-0 at home, has provided a boost to their WTC aspirations.
Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack, which has gained considerable strength through years of first-class experience, could be a game-changer, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
Away from home, Pakistan has a favourable schedule. They have a history of strong performances in Bangladesh, where they have never lost a Test, and in the West Indies, where they have not lost a series since 2000.
Their three-match series in England in 2026 could be challenging, but their past record in English conditions, having won three Tests across previous tours, suggests they are not to be underestimated.
Other Teams in the Race
While India and Pakistan are strong contenders, several other teams are also in the mix for a spot in the final.
Australia, who are currently the top-ranked Test side, will face tough challenges in their away series against South Africa and India.
The upcoming five-match Ashes series could play a pivotal role in determining their final position.
Defending champions South Africa face a daunting schedule with series in Asia and home fixtures against both Australia and England. Their task is made even harder by the strength of their competitors on home soil.
England, with a tricky home schedule and demanding away tours, will need to be at their best to stay in contention. New Zealand, with relatively easier home fixtures but tough overseas assignments, could also prove dangerous.
Sri Lanka, with a poor track record in previous editions, face an uphill battle, while Bangladesh and the West Indies, having performed poorly in all three previous editions, are unlikely to make a surprise run to the final.
With both India and Pakistan now firmly in the mix for the 2025-2027 World Test Championship final, the prospect of their historic clash has generated excitement among fans.
While India’s dominance in subcontinental conditions and their strong away record make them a favourite, Pakistan’s favourable schedule and formidable spin attack could see them compete for a spot in the final.
As the cycle progresses, the battle for the top spots will intensify, with both teams eager to make their mark in what could be a landmark encounter.
If this were to happen, the ICC would undoubtedly ensure that the venue is neutral, leaving no room for doubt.
