The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as the International Cricket Council (ICC) gears up for potential changes to the World Test Championship (WTC). The 2025-27 cycle promises to be even more exciting, with discussions around a new bonus points system that could significantly impact team strategies and overall standings.

What's Changing in the WTC?

The current WTC system awards 12 points for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a draw. However, the ICC is considering a revamp to add more weight to decisive victories, especially those achieved overseas. This potential shift aims to encourage teams to go for results and make Test cricket even more competitive.

Bonus Points for Big Wins

One of the key proposals involves awarding bonus points for:

• Innings victories.
• Wins by a significant margin (e.g., over 100 runs).

These changes are designed to reward teams that dominate their opponents, rather than just securing a win by any means necessary.

Overseas Wins: Extra Incentives

The ICC is also contemplating awarding extra points for victories achieved away from home. This move recognizes the challenges of playing in unfamiliar conditions and could provide a significant boost to teams that perform well on foreign soil. This could be a game-changer, especially for 'smaller' teams who achieve historical win. This will act as a motivating factor for teams as the win brings extra points with it.

Potential Impact on the Game

These proposed changes could lead to:

• More aggressive and attacking play from teams.
• Increased emphasis on achieving outright victories.
• Greater motivation for teams to perform well overseas.

Two-Tier Test System?

Beyond the bonus points, the ICC board might also revisit the concept of a two-tier Test system, a suggestion that has been endorsed by Cricket Australia. While this idea could create more competitive balance, it also raises concerns about potentially limiting opportunities for teams to compete against top-ranked nations.

What's Next?

The ICC board is expected to discuss these proposals during its upcoming meeting in April. If approved, these changes could reshape the landscape of Test cricket, making the 2025-27 WTC cycle a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.