Dubai, June 17 – Following South Africa's memorable triumph at Lord's in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final last week, the next cycle of the championship has officially begun. ICC Chairman Jay Shah extended his best wishes to players and hailed the WTC as a key element in keeping Test cricket alive and exciting.
In a press release shared by the ICC, Shah stated, “The third edition of the World Test Championship culminated spectacularly at Lord’s, with a thrilling final between Australia and South Africa. Now, as we embark on the next cycle, we look forward to more competitive cricket. Four out of the nine participating teams have reached the final over the last three cycles, showing the dynamic nature of the format.”
He added, “Bringing context for players and fans, ensuring high-level competition, and drawing large crowds at Lord’s are strong indicators of Test cricket’s growing appeal. I thank all member boards and wish the players the very best as they set out on their journey towards the 2027 final.”
The WTC 2025-27 cycle kicked off on June 17 with the Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka Test series at Galle. Team India will begin their campaign against England on June 20, with matches scheduled at iconic venues including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
Australia is set to commence their journey on June 25 with a three-Test series against West Indies. After narrowly missing out on the title against South Africa, the Aussies will aim for redemption in the new cycle.
Just like previous editions, nine full-member nations will participate in the WTC, with each team playing six opponents over two years. Australia will play 11 home Tests, including the Ashes and a four-match series against New Zealand, while England will play 11 home and 10 away Tests, including a late 2026 tour of South Africa. India will play a total of 18 Tests—equally split between home and away venues.
The points system remains unchanged from the last edition: 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. The leaderboard will be determined based on the percentage of points earned.
As the new chapter begins, excitement builds across the cricketing world, with fans eagerly anticipating intense rivalries and high-stakes encounters over the next two years.
