ICC ditches two-tier Test system as WTC likely to feature all 12 teams from 2027 cycle
The World Test Championship (WTC) is likely to feature all 12 teams from 2027 cycle while remaining a single-tier system.
New Delhi: The World Test Championship (WTC) is likely to feature all 12 teams from 2027 cycle while remaining a single-tier system. Talks were on for a potential two-tier system between International Cricket Council (ICC) and the different cricketing boards but all were put to rest at the latest ICC meet in Dubai.
With the two-tier WTC model unlikely to kick off, all 12 members will get a chance to play in the next WTC cycle starting two years later. At present, nine members are involved in the WTC matches Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland are not part of the elite circle despite having the full member status.
Former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, who led the assessment group, did consider the idea of a two tier system but failed to receive enough backing during ICC's quarterly meeting which was held in Dubai.
'There was a discussion on the two-tier system but certain members were not convinced about the model, and it felt that a 12-team system should be tried out because it gives more chances for teams to play against each other,' a source close to the development informed news agency PTI.
The nations which resisted the idea are Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh, who could have started in tier 2 under the mooted two-segment system.
'Even representatives of some of the top boards too were sceptical of the idea as what happens if a top team goes through a phase of struggle and gets relegated to the second tier? It will affect playing chances and revenue alike,' he added.
ODI Super League revival
It is also being learnt that the ODI Super League might be revived in ODIs, which was scrapped after the 2023 World Cup. The system was conceptualised back in 2020 to give more context to the ODI format but the 13-team did not move ahead as expected.
Many members who attended the ICC meeting felt that the ODI format is not near extinction but can survive if provided a proper structure to it.
(With PTI inputs)