12-Team World Test Championship Could Begin from 2029-31 Cycle

The World Test Championship could expand from nine teams to 12 from the 2029-31 cycle, with Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan potentially joining the competition.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has indicated that the proposed expansion could soon become a reality. A final decision may be taken at the International Cricket Council’s annual meeting in Bali, Indonesia, next month.

The World Test Championship has featured nine teams since its launch in 2019. Under the current format, each two-year cycle includes three home and three away series for every participating team.

Under the proposed new structure, the addition of Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan would increase the number of participating teams to 12.

Greenberg told reporters that he expects the 12-team model to be approved, with the aim of giving every Test-playing nation an opportunity to compete.

The proposed format could also allow one-match Test series to count toward the World Test Championship standings. That would give teams greater flexibility to earn points through shorter bilateral series.

However, the expansion comes at a time when the financial sustainability of Test cricket is becoming an increasing concern.

Greenberg warned that Test cricket is becoming more expensive to stage, with significant investment required not only to host matches but also to maintain a strong red-ball cricket structure.

“Test cricket is becoming increasingly expensive to play. It is not just about staging a single match; maintaining a strong structure for red-ball cricket requires significant investment,” Greenberg said.

He also suggested that some countries could reduce the number of home Tests in order to control costs, potentially playing more matches overseas as they look for financially sustainable schedules.

Meanwhile, discussions are also underway about strengthening the appeal of ODI cricket. Proposals include bringing back more tri-series and continental tournaments, while the ICC faces the broader challenge of creating a balanced international calendar between ODIs and T20 cricket.

Australia is also looking to expand the commercial appeal of Test cricket. Cricket Australia wants to regularly play five-Test series against India, England and South Africa. Plans are also being considered for major series against Pakistan, given the country’s large overseas supporter base.

If approved, the 12-team World Test Championship would mark a significant change to the structure of international Test cricket. But alongside expansion, the ICC and national boards will have to address the rising cost of Test cricket and maintain a sustainable balance between all three formats.