ICC Shakes Up World Test Championship: New Bonus Points System for Fairer Play (2025-27)
Cricket fans, get ready for a game-changer! The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to revamp the World Test Championship (WTC) with a new bonus points system for the 2025-27 cycle. The goal? To level the playing field, reward bold performances, and make Test cricket more thrilling than ever. Let’s break down what’s coming!
Why the Change? Fairness Meets Fire
Critics have long argued that the current WTC format favors powerhouse teams like India, Australia, and England, who play more Tests. The ICC’s new proposal tackles this imbalance head-on. Here’s the scoop:
- Strength-Based Points : Beat a top-ranked team (like India or Australia)? Earn extra points! Wins against lower-ranked sides will still count but won’t weigh as heavily.
- Away Wins = Big Rewards: Conquering foreign conditions? Teams could bag bonus points for overseas victories, pushing squads to prep harder for tough tours. No More Easy Paths : The ICC wants to stop teams from skating into finals with softer schedules (looking at you, South Africa 2025!).
Who Benefits? England, New Zealand in the Spotlight
- England’s Golden Chance: Under the new rules, England’s packed calendar against India and Australia could rocket them up the table. Finally, a shot at the WTC Final!
- Justice for New Zealand : Remember their 3-0 whitewash against India in 2023? Under the current system, those wins were valued the same as England beating West Indies. The new rules would’ve given the Kiwis the credit they deserved.
Controversies & Challenges
- South Africa’s Easy Ride : Critics slammed their 2025 final berth after avoiding Tests against Australia and England. The new system aims to close such loopholes.
- India vs. Pakistan Politics. : With no bilateral series between the rivals due to political tensions, the ICC must juggle fairness without confusing fans.
- Powerhouse Dominance. : Australia and India have hogged WTC finals since 2021. The ICC’s reforms could finally give underdogs a fighting chance.
What’s Next?
The proposed changes could kick in before 2027, skipping the usual Future Tours Programme (FTP) wait. For England—the self-proclaimed “home of Test cricket”—this might be their moment to shine after missing the top three in all previous cycles.
Final Thought: Test Cricket’s New Era
The ICC’s bold move isn’t just about points—it’s about preserving Test cricket’s soul. By rewarding grit, strategy, and overseas grit, the sport’s oldest format could see a revival.
What do YOU think? Should wins against top teams count more?share your take below.