World Test Championship to reward extra points for away victories
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to revamp the World Test Championship (WTC) points system for the next cycle starting June 2025. Proposed changes include bonus points for dominant wins and extra points for away victories. These reforms come in a bid to tackle the criticism of the current system's perceived lack of transparency and fairness, The Telegraph reported. Meanwhile, the WTC's third cycle will conclude this summer with the final between Australia and South Africa. Here's more.
Game strategy
Bonus points to encourage aggressive play
The proposed bonus points system is similar to a few First-Class domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy and Sheffield Shield. This move is aimed at motivating teams to play more aggressively and rewarding those with dominant performances. The ICC also intends to use this revamped system as a means to make the tournament more equitable, by valuing away series wins more than home series.
Meeting agenda
Upcoming ICC meeting to discuss new points system
The proposed changes will be discussed in an ICC meeting in April. The idea is to create a level playing field in a cycle where India, Australia, and England play almost double the matches than other teams. Further, there are plans to introduce a seeding system that would give more weightage to wins against stronger teams while making their path a little difficult.
Advocacy
England's ECB advocates for a fairer WTC structure
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been an outspoken critic of the current World Test Championship structure. Despite hosting the finals of all three editions so far, England haven't reached the final. ECB Chairman Richard Thompson stated according to Hindustan Times that "The World Test Championship should be fairer and more competitive." He stressed the changes will ensure top teams reach the final while encouraging other nations to participate in Test cricket.
Controversy
South Africa's controversial route to the final
South Africa's route to the final has also been questioned as they didn't face their toughest opponents, Australia and England. They made it to the final despite sending a makeshift team to New Zealand. As mentioned, they will now face Australia in June with a chance to claim their first WTC trophy.