The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to deliberate on a new bonus points system for the upcoming 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This change, which could reward teams for dominant victories, will be a key topic in the ICC board meeting scheduled for April.
Proposed Changes to the Points System
Currently, under the WTC points system, a team earns 12 points for a win, six points for a tie, and four points for a draw, irrespective of the margin of victory. However, according to a report in The Telegraph, the ICC is considering introducing bonus points for teams that secure victories by an innings or by a significant margin, such as 100+ runs.
A source close to the developments stated, “Issues like awarding bonus points for innings wins have been under discussion since the inception of the WTC. Many teams believe that the current system does not adequately reward dominant performances. This topic is expected to be revisited in the upcoming deliberations.”
Additionally, there is speculation that the ICC may allocate extra points for victories over higher-ranked teams like India, Australia, and England.
Impact on Teams and Competitiveness
A former Indian cricketer, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, welcomed the idea, stating, “If this happens, teams will be more motivated to push for decisive results, leading to more exciting Test matches.” He further added that giving additional points for away victories could be a major incentive, especially for lower-ranked teams.
“When New Zealand defeated India last year, it was a historic achievement. However, they did not receive any extra points for winning in tough conditions. If away wins are incentivized, teams will have an added motivation beyond just national pride.”
Potential Two-Tier Test System
Apart from the bonus points system, the ICC is also expected to discuss the much-debated two-tier Test format, a concept strongly supported by Cricket Australia. The proposal aims to separate Test-playing nations into two divisions to ensure more competitive matches. However, concerns remain about its impact on lower-ranked teams and their opportunities to face top-tier sides.
A former player expressed concerns over the idea, saying, “Series between top-ranked teams like India, Australia, and England are already prioritized. If a two-tier system is implemented, lower-ranked teams might get even fewer chances to compete against the best.”
WTC 2025-27 Kickoff with India vs. England
The 2025-27 WTC cycle is set to begin with India’s five-match away Test series against England in June. If the proposed changes are approved, the new points system could significantly impact team strategies and the overall competitiveness of the tournament.
With the ICC board meeting approaching, the cricketing world eagerly awaits a decision that could redefine the future of Test cricket.