Dubai-Web Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering significant structural changes to the next cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) in a bid to make Test cricket more competitive and inclusive.
According to sources, a working group led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose is expected to present new recommendations to ICC board members in the coming weeks.
One of the key proposals under discussion is the expansion of the World Test Championship to 12 teams, which could potentially include full-member nations such as Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
Although all three nations are full ICC members, they were not part of the inaugural WTC cycle launched in 2019 and have had limited opportunities against top-tier Test-playing sides.
The working group is also reportedly evaluating a proposal to award World Test Championship points for standalone Test matches, a move aimed at improving scheduling flexibility and financial viability for bilateral series.
Currently, multi-Test series are required for points allocation, which has limited opportunities for smaller nations to host top teams due to cost constraints.
Officials say the proposed changes are designed to strengthen the commercial and sporting structure of Test cricket while ensuring broader global participation.
A final decision is expected after consultations with member boards, with financial feasibility and scheduling balance remaining key considerations.
