KEY POINTS
- The ICC World Test Championship will include all 12 full member nations.
- The 2027 Cricket World Cup will feature 14 teams.
- The T20 World Cup will maintain its current 20-team format.
DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided against a proposal to divide Test cricket into two tiers, according to a latest report in ESPNCricinfo, citing sources present at the meeting held in Dubai.
The proposal, which had sparked significant debate, was ultimately turned down after concerns were raised regarding the complexities surrounding funding and the potential disruption to the traditional format of the game.
The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing discussions around the future of Test cricket.
While the proposal for tiered division would have aimed to create a more competitive structure, it was deemed problematic by several ICC members who feared it could diminish the heritage of the format.
Looking ahead, sources have indicated that starting in 2027, the ICC World Test Championship will include all 12 full member nations.
This move will allow every Test-playing nation the opportunity to participate in the prestigious tournament, significantly increasing the competition’s reach and appeal.
The decision ensures that all full member countries will be represented, promoting inclusivity and providing more chances for nations to compete in the longest form of the game.
In addition to discussions around Test cricket, the ICC meeting also touched upon upcoming major tournaments.
The 2027 Cricket World Cup, slated to be held in India, will feature 14 teams, reinstating the format last used during the 2015 edition. This change will expand the tournament’s scope and allow more nations to compete on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the ICC’s T20 World Cup will maintain its current format with 20 teams, keeping the event size consistent for the time being.
The governing body also revisited the idea of reinstating the One-Day Super League, which had been temporarily suspended, as part of its broader plan to strengthen bilateral cricket and maintain balance in the global cricketing landscape.
