The future structure of the World Test Championship is now expected to be decided at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30 and 31.
According to the reports, the issue of the structural changes will most probably not be discussed in the ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) meeting, to be held virtually on May 21, as the agenda is reportedly about only women cricket, and the commercial issues and data monetisation and mobile gaming.
So, now the decision on the restructuring of the World Test Championship will be taken by the ICC Board members.
As reported, a working group chaired by Roger Twose has reportedly suggested major overhauls in the format of World Test Championship. These include, including Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe and taking it from nine teams to 12 teams.
The working group has also recommended inclusion of one Test series.
Issues in the Proposed Changes to WTC
There are a lot of issues regarding the expansion of the WTC which need to be addressed. One of the most critical issues is related to the points system and balance. With the current percentage points system there is a fear that teams will get ahead with just few games played or with games against lower teams. In this regards the performance of the Afghanistan is most cited.
The Afghan team is at the moment playing no bilateral Test series against teams such as England and Australia. It is being felt that Afghanistan will earn huge percentage points from one-off Tests against weaker sides like Ireland, Afghanistan or Zimbabwe and would become contenders against the bigger sides. Given the complexities, the likelihood of a immediate nine to 12-team expansion looks unlikely.
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ICC Considering Other Major Issues
Apart from the WTC matter, the ICC will be focusing on other commercial ventures. The cricket board is also said to be in talks with Oliver Wyman for data monetisation.
The ICC is also set to hold discussions regarding mobile gaming opportunities. However, there exists obstacles, with numerous cricket boards and players affiliated with the World Cricketers' Association, an entity that the ICC is unwilling to consult.
In the meantime, an ICC delegation visited Sri Lanka, concerning recent modifications made to the Sri Lanka Cricket administration. ICC Deputy Chairman, Imran Khwaja and BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia were expected to meet the Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The newly formed Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee is led by Eran Wickramaratne and comprises of former cricketers like Roshan Mahanama, Sidath Wettimuny and Kumar Sangakkara.
There were also reports about the invitation of PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi for the IPL final at Ahmedabad. However, it is understood that he is expected to participate in the ICC board meeting via virtual mode.
List of Proposed Changes
- Expansion of WTC from 9 to 12 teams
- Introduction of Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe to the WTC cycles
- Test matches of a one-test series format are also considered part of the championship
- Discussions over the ICC's data monetization projects
- Proposed mobile gaming ventures
- Review of ICC on changes in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket
- The ICC board meeting is scheduled on 30th and 31st May, at Ahmedabad.
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