ICC's Two-Tier World Test Championship System Proposal - All You Need To Know

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly in advanced discussions to introduce a two-tier Test system for the 2027-2029 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This initiative aims to revitalise interest in Test cricket and improve competitive balance.

According to a report in The Guardian, an eight-member working group, headed by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and including senior executives from Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board, is examining the new format's feasibility and mechanics.

At the proposal's core, many believe, is an effort to increase match stakes and ensure more fixtures carry tangible consequences, thereby making each Test more meaningful and commercially appealing.

Proposed Format And Divisions

If implemented, the Test teams will likely split into two divisions, with six teams in each. The proposed first division would feature Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, thus leaving Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland in the second tier.

Promotion and relegation mechanisms, either automatic or via playoffs, are fundamental to the model, ensuring fluidity between divisions and maintaining incentives for performance across all teams.

Notably, under this projected arrangement, India and Pakistan would not compete in the same division during the 2027-2029 cycle.

Navigating A Packed Cricket Calendar

The already congested international cricket calendar presents a significant challenge. The planned reintroduction of the Champions League T20 in 2026, and overlapping commitments with lucrative domestic T20 leagues, further complicates scheduling.

The ICC's working group must revise the entire cricket calendar from 2027 to accommodate these changes, finding windows free of clashes for home and away series, especially considering the promotion and relegation stakes. The sport’s commercial ecosystem heavily relies on certain bilateral matchups, particularly among the so-called “Big 3”: India, England, and Australia.

Economic Implications For Test-Playing Nations

Economic disparities remain a major concern. Revenue generation from Test cricket primarily concentrates among a few top-tier nations. Lower-tier Test nations often struggle with limited broadcast appeal and infrastructural shortcomings.

The ICC may need to establish special support funds or revenue-sharing models for second-tier teams to prevent further marginalisation. Prize money will likely favour top-division participants, which, unless balanced by additional ICC backing, could deepen financial challenges for the lower tier and widen the gap in resources and visibility between divisions.

Advantages, Risks, And The Final Decision

This model promises several advantages, including increased competitiveness and clearer performance incentives through promotion and relegation. It also brings a sharper focus on marquee fixtures, likely to attract higher ratings and sponsorship revenue.

Significantly, it will provide developing teams with concrete pathways into top-tier competition. However, risks include the potential isolation and demotivation of lower-tier nations, reduced spectator interest in matches seen as less prestigious, and the danger that relegation or sustained second-division status could erode cricketing infrastructure and fan engagement in those countries.

Concerns also exist that the global footprint and traditional spirit of Test cricket might suffer, potentially destabilising entrenched bilateral relationships.

A decision is expected by the end of 2025. If ICC Full Members approve the two-tier system with a two-thirds majority, it will likely be launched for the 2027-2029 WTC cycle.

"Any changes would be introduced for the next cycle of the World Test Championship, due to run from 2027 to 2029, and involve an expansion from the current nine-team format to two divisions of six," the report added.

This structure draws inspiration from football and rugby’s promotion and relegation models. However, cricket depends heavily on tradition, key rivalries—such as the India vs Pakistan clash, which the top tier would miss — and varying commercial realities, posing unique implementation hurdles.

Final adoption will also depend on feedback from broadcast partners and member boards’ willingness to rework long-standing cricket calendars and priorities.