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ICC May Introduce Bonus Points in WTC 2025-27 Cycle
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a major revamp of the World Test Championship (WTC) points system for the 2025-27 cycle. The changes aim to reward teams for dominant wins and away Test victories in a bid to make the competition more competitive and exciting.
Bonus Points for Commanding Wins
As per the current WTC format, teams receive 12 points for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a draw, regardless of the match’s margin. The proposed system seeks to introduce bonus points for teams that achieve commanding victories—such as winning by an innings or by a large run margin. This adjustment is intended to encourage teams to go for clear wins instead of settling for draws or marginal leads, thereby increasing the quality and competitiveness of Test matches.
Extra Points for Away Test Wins
Another notable proposal is to reward teams with additional points for victories in away Test matches. Winning in foreign conditions is widely acknowledged as more challenging, and the new point structure would recognize and incentivize such performances. This move is expected to motivate teams to compete more fiercely on overseas tours, improving the overall balance and excitement of the WTC.
Addressing Gaps in Current System
The current uniform point distribution has often been criticized for not distinguishing between close and dominant victories. By introducing bonus points, the ICC aims to ensure that teams displaying high levels of performance are fairly rewarded. It may also help reduce the frequency of defensive play and dead draws by incentivizing aggressive strategies.
Changes Likely from June 2025
If approved at the upcoming ICC board meeting in April, the changes will come into effect from the start of the new WTC cycle in June 2025. The India-England five-match Test series is expected to be the first under the revised system.
The potential overhaul reflects the ICC’s continued efforts to keep the Test format relevant and engaging for modern audiences while retaining its traditional essence. The cricketing world now waits to see if these changes will usher in a more dynamic and competitive era for Test cricket.
