The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the World Test Championship (WTC) will expand to include 12 teams starting in 2027, marking a significant shift from the previously planned two-tier model. This decision, announced on November 11, 2023, ensures that the competition will see an increase in the number of participating teams, bringing in Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland as new entrants.
ICC’s Shift from Two-Tier to 12-Team WTC Format
Earlier this year, reports indicated that the ICC was considering a two-tier system for the WTC, with top-tier teams like India, Australia, and England playing in Division One, while countries like West Indies and Pakistan were set to be placed in a lower Division Two. This proposed model was met with strong opposition, especially from some of the leading cricket boards.
Richard Thompson, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief, expressed concerns that the two-tier system could lead to fewer matchups between top teams, hurting the sport’s competitiveness and global appeal. He told the BBC, “We wouldn’t want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don’t play Australia and India? That couldn’t happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here.”
Ultimately, the ICC decided to retain a 12-team competition for the 2027 edition of the WTC, preserving the possibility for all Test-playing nations to compete against each other in a more inclusive format.
New Teams and Impact on Bilateral Series
With the expansion to 12 teams, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland will now join the ranks of the WTC, all of which already hold Test status. While the inclusion of these teams is a welcome development, it also means the competition will become more intense, with more nations vying for top spots.
The ICC’s decision to expand the format is seen as a move to keep the integrity of bilateral series intact, as the relevance of individual contests increases. The WTC cycle will continue to be crucial in determining the world’s best Test-playing nations, while also ensuring that teams across all divisions have an equal chance to participate at the highest level.
In addition, the ICC is also considering the return of the ODI Super League from 2028, aiming to revitalise the 50-over format. A restructuring of the ODI landscape could help the format regain its prominence in the international cricketing calendar.
With the WTC 2027 expansion and the potential revival of the ODI Super League, the future of international cricket looks set to evolve in exciting new ways, engaging fans worldwide with more thrilling contests across all formats.
