 "Explained: How ICC's proposed new points system will change World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle?")
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering a significant revamp of the World Test Championship (WTC) points system for the upcoming 2025-27 cycle. Among the major changes under discussion is the introduction of a bonus points system to reward dominant victories, along with additional incentives for winning away from home. The ICC board is expected to discuss these changes in its upcoming meeting scheduled for April.
Current points system in WTC
Under the existing WTC structure, teams earn 12 points for a win (regardless of margin), 6 points for a tie, and 4 points for a draw.
However, teams have long expressed concerns that this system does not adequately reward commanding performances. As a result, the ICC is now considering a revised approach that will factor in the margin of victories and the strength of opponents.
Proposed changes in the WTC points system
According to a report, the ICC is exploring the possibility of awarding extra points for convincing victories. This move aims to encourage teams to push for outright wins rather than settling for victories by narrow margins.
A source close to the development told PTI: “Issues such as giving bonus points for innings wins have been in continuous discussion since the beginning of the WTC. Many teams felt that wins against higher-ranked teams should carry greater weight. This could again come up for deliberations.”
Another key proposal under consideration is awarding additional points for away victories. Winning Test matches in foreign conditions has historically been a tougher challenge, and rewarding such performances could incentivise teams to improve their overseas records.
A former India player, speaking anonymously to PTI said: “Yeah, it’s a good move if it really happens. The teams will be more motivated to go for results, and we could see some exciting games. While winning away from home is already a motivating factor, now teams will have an extra carrot in front of them – bonus points.”
Another interesting proposal is the idea of assigning higher point values to wins against top-ranked teams such as India and Australia. This means that defeating a higher-ranked team would yield more points than winning against a lower-ranked nation.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDebate over the Two-Tier Test system
Apart from the bonus points system, the ICC board meeting may also discuss the two-tier Test system, an idea strongly backed by many cricket pundits.
However, a former Indian player cautioned against rushing into such a format: “It needs a lot of discussion before implementation, as some teams might feel deprived of regular opportunities to play against strong teams like India or Australia.”
There is concern that a two-tier system could further limit opportunities for lower-ranked teams, making it even harder for them to improve and compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Australia and South Africa are all set to lock horns in the 2023-25 WTC final in June.
For India, the WTC 2025-27 cycle will begin with a challenging five-match away Test series against England in June 2025. If the new system is implemented, this series could become even more competitive, as both teams would strive not just for wins but for dominant performances to maximise their points tally.
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