ICC discussing fate of World Test Championship

David Richardson,Alex Marshall,Geoff Allardice
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson, center, flanked by General Manager of Anti-Corruption Unit Alex Marshall, left, and General Manager cricket operations Geoff Allardice speaks during a press conference at ICC headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Sept. 24, 2018.
(Associated Press / Aijaz Rahi, File)

The International Cricket Council is discussing the fate of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) which will depend on the ability of countries to reschedule the series that have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With several bilateral series being wiped out, doubts remain over whether the WTC final between the top two sides could be held as scheduled in June next year at Lord’s.

Geoff Allardice, ICC general manager responsible for cricket operations said in a video call, “we are currently in discussion with members in what plans are around rescheduling them as quickly as possible and depending on how many of them could be rescheduled within the available time window, that will give us a better view on the most appropriate timing for the final.”

“But at this stage the final is scheduled for June 2021. But we are working with members on that, to understand their rescheduling of the series that are postponed already,” he said.

The CEO said the nine top-ranked teams are scheduled to play three series each at home and away to determine the finalists with India leading the table currently, followed by Australia.

The ICC said the three-match series between England and Ireland began recently, which kicked off the inaugural Super League, which will determine who qualifies for the 2023 World Cup in India. England won the match.