ICC to Consider Expanding World Test Championship to 12 Teams

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is poised to approve a significant expansion of the World Test Championship (WTC), intending to increase the number of participating teams from nine to twelve for the cycle beginning July 2027. This proposed change would integrate Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan into the red-ball competition, addressing long-standing calls from smaller Full Member nations for greater inclusion and regular play against top opposition. The move comes after a previous two-tier Test system proposal failed to gain traction, with the 12-team model now seen as a more viable option. While initial discussions scheduled for Doha were postponed due to regional conflict, support for the expansion remains strong, with new regulations like minimum Tests and one-off matches expected to encourage more diversified bilateral series.