The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to reveal a two-division system for its next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2027-29, a move which may change the future of Test cricket. This structure will see 12 full-member nations split into two divisions of six members each with Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland being suggested as the bottom six teams in division two based on current ICC rankings.

The announcement followed the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore the first under the new all-Indian leadership of Chair Jay Shah and CEO Sanjog Gupta. Gupta, a former JioStar executive, will also chair the eight-member working group responsible for detailing the new system, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Proposed Divisions (2027–29 WTC Cycle)

• Division 1: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
  
• Division 2: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland
  

A New Era for Test Cricket

This move is largely viewed as representing one of the biggest structural reconfigurations in the 133 year history of international cricket. What had emerged during meetings between Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year was a vision to provide more competitive matches, create more regular series between the top teams and have more global responsibility to stakeholders.

Australia, the major supporter of the model, lobbied to include that top teams should play against each other, twice in every three year cycle, mostly to increase competition and broadcast value. The ECB had their reluctance to support the proposal by arguing that the plan could increase the gap both financially and competitively between the richest and professionalised cricket nations, and the developing cricket nations.

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Two-division Test cricket from 2027and finals in England

A key sticking point will be the promotion and relegation system, as well as how to prevent lower-ranked nations from being permanently sidelined. There is speculation that the ICC may offer enhanced financial packages to Division 2 teams to help sustain competitiveness and infrastructure.

Critics fear that teams like Pakistan, historically strong and deeply rooted in the game’s tradition, might find themselves marginalized if stuck in Division 2. Supporters argue, however, that the format rewards performance and long-term consistency and offers every nation a clear pathway back to the top.

In another major announcement, the ICC confirmed that England will host the next three World Test Championship finals, maintaining a trend that began with the inaugural WTC final in 2021. The most recent final at Lord’s saw South Africa crowned champions, defeating defending champions Australia.

T20 Champions League Revival?

The ICC also expressed interest in resurrecting a Champions League style T20 tournament, involving the best franchises of the IPL, the Hundred and Australia's Big Bash League. However, as yet no official proposal has been put forward, partly due to the more complicated ownership structures, and the difficulties of scheduling across all three competitions, to allow a players to return to their home country.

Given T20 players now playing for multiple franchises globally, there will also be a lack of clarity about player eligibility and representation issues. A 2027 launch is under serious consideration, which suggests the working group may have tied the proposal to when the ICC's current $3 billion broadcast deal with Disney Star expires.

This potential reorganization represents an important moment for global cricket, which could see increased intensity in the upper-level competition, but also raises significant questions about inclusion, equity and player development long term. Whether this radical change will be a success, or not, may depend on how the ICC manages competition with collaboration amongst it's members.