ICC confirm that World Test Championship will continue

ICC confirm that World Test Championship will continue despite previous concerns that this month’s final between India and New Zealand could have been a one-off

  • The ICC have confirmed that the World Test Championship is set to continue 
  • Countries would earn points over six series, three home and three away 
  • Desire to ensure full member nations have no grounds for dropping Test cricket
  • India and New Zealand will meet at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton this month

A senior member of the ICC’s Cricket Committee has confirmed that the World Test Championship is set to continue, despite previous concerns that this month’s final between India and New Zealand might be the only time the tournament is played.

Sportsmail understands that a desire to ensure that all full member nations have no grounds for dropping Test cricket from their commitments is behind a plan which would see countries earn points over six series, three at home and three away. 

A final would then be likely to take place in the summer of 2023.

The ICC’s cricket committee have confirmed the World Test Championship is set to continue

Back in November, the ICC’s incoming chief executive Greg Barclay questioned whether the competition — which failed to get off the ground twice — was fit for purpose. Seven months on, the ICC see the competition as essential for the continuation of Test cricket in an era dominated by big money Twenty20 franchises.

There were previously concerns that this month’s final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton might be the only time the tournament is played

Under plans for the tournament, countries would earn points over six series, three home and three away

‘The competition will definitely continue,’ said the committee member. ‘If this month’s final was a one-off then what message would that send out? 

‘If there is no competition to offer some kind of context to Tests then the fear would be that some countries would just stop playing five-day cricket. ‘Continuing the tournament removes that fear. It’s seen as crucial for the future of Test match cricket.’




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article