Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, has indicated that a 12-team World Test Championship (WTC) could soon become a reality. However, he remains convinced that fewer nations participating might sustain Test cricket in the long run. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and various cricket boards are nearing the conclusion of plans for the next future tours programme (FTP), with discussions on the WTC progress.
Since its launch in 2019, the WTC has involved nine teams, each playing six Test series over two years, aiming for a spot in the final. The upcoming 2029-31 WTC may permit one-off Tests, allowing countries like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan to participate. These aspects are set for discussion at the ICC’s upcoming meeting in Bali.
When questioned on the likelihood of a 12-team format, Greenberg remarked, “I think that’s what will happen for the next two years.” He added, “For the next iteration [of the WTC], I can understand why it is that number because they want to give every Test nation the opportunity.”
Yet, Greenberg warns that tough decisions may loom if revenue streams from the ICC diminish. “Ultimately, countries are going to have to make hard decisions themselves,” he stated. He highlighted the financial strain on nations that continue to play Test cricket without substantial income from broadcast rights, echoing sentiments from Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring, who described their home season as fiscally challenging.
“It’s expensive to sustain Test cricket,” Greenberg noted, stressing the importance of investment in nurturing red-ball cricketers. He suggested some nations might need to adapt by playing more away matches to retain their Test status. “This whole reciprocal nature is potentially sending some countries broke,” he commented.
Australia is eager to stage a five-Test series against South Africa, although scheduling complexities pose challenges. Discussions with South Africa continue, exploring options for longer series. Greenberg also identified Pakistan as a potential longer series candidate, given Australia’s significant expat community. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will tour Australia in the 2027-28 season, with fixtures planned post the Big Bash League (BBL).
Discussing One Day Internationals (ODIs), the ICC recently considered multilateral tournaments to enhance ODI significance outside World Cups. Greenberg supports this notion, albeit acknowledging the complexity of integrating additional tournaments within existing schedules. “There’s a cycle where we play slightly less ODIs,” he explained, outlining a potential ebb and flow system between T20 and ODI.
ODI cricket remains significant in developing player pathways and boosting ICC’s commercial outcomes, according to Greenberg. Australia’s home Test calendar for 2027-31 is nearly set, featuring series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and England, with opponents for the 2030-31 season yet to be finalised.
Australia’s upcoming Test tour of South Africa and ongoing discussions about the World Test Championship underline the fluid, evolving nature of international cricket planning.
