SYDNEY: Ten years after the World Test Championship’s inception, a significant and much-needed adjustment is likely going to be introduced in 2029.
The World Test Championship was introduced by the ICC in 2019. In the first two-year cycle, New Zealand emerged victorious. Australia won the second title, and South Africa is currently the World Test Champion after defeating Australia in 2025.
The 2026–2027 World Test Championship final will determine the next champion. However, Australia now leads the points chart, with South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and India in second through fifth place. Depending on the outcomes of future games, these rankings could very well alter.
Nine teams have competed in each of the World Test Championship’s two-year cycles thus far. The sixth cycle, which will start in 2029, may, nevertheless, see an increase in the number of teams.
Todd Greenberg, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, has reportedly hinted that the proposal to increase the World Test Championship to 12 teams may soon come to pass, according to international media.
Todd Greenberg claims that the format for the upcoming cycle (2029–31) is being considered in order to provide all Test-playing countries—including Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan—opportunities.
For the new format, a proposal to add single-match Test series to the championship is being considered; a final decision is anticipated at the next ICC conference.
