Plans for a two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) have been abandoned following a recent meeting of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) directors.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the decision was taken after it failed to gain widespread support.
As a result, the next WTC cycle will most likely feature all 12 Full Members in one division. Plans for reviewing the ODI Super League were also discussed.
A working group led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose was tasked with addressing pressing issues over cricket’s three formats. They provided recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) during the recent quarterly meetings in Dubai.
A two-tier system, which had been discussed from time to time for over a decade, was again among the topics discussed.
However, doubts over whether a funding model could be implemented contributed to scrapping the two-tier model.
It had been mentioned that India, England and Australia could support those in Division Two through a financial distribution, but those talks did not go far.
Nations likely to occupy Division Two, such as West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, were opposed to the idea. Their opposition was likely due to the limited playing opportunities against the bigger nations.
Instead, the working group has suggested a 12-team WTC with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland. They may be part of an expanded league for the next cycle, which begins in July 2027.
The teams will be expected to play a minimum number of Tests during the cycle. The exact number is unknown. No extra funding is likely to be available for hosting Tests, which has been part of the struggle for members.
