Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE is set to return to the World Test Championship (WTC) fold, with the next cycle likely to feature all 12 ICC Full Member nations in a single division when it begins in July 2027.
The development follows the collapse of a proposal to split teams into two tiers, while discussions are also underway to revive the short lived One Day International (ODI) Super League.
According to ESPNCricinfo, a working group led by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose presented recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives’ Committee during last week’s quarterly meetings in Dubai.
The group was tasked with addressing format imbalances and the dwindling Test calendar.
There has been growing urgency around the issue, with several nations already planning bilateral series that will count towards the next WTC cycle (2027–29).
A two tier system, in which Zimbabwe was expected to feature, was discussed again after being tabled at the ICC annual conference in July. But the proposal fell apart amid concerns over funding and the feasibility of cross subsidising lower tier teams.
“It had been mooted that India, England and Australia could support those in division two through a financial distribution, but those talks did not go far,” ESPNCricinfo reported.
“Instead the working group has proposed a 12 team WTC, with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland potentially part of an expanded league for the next cycle, which begins in July 2027. The teams will be expected to play a minimum number of Tests, the exact number is not yet known, during the cycle. No extra funding is likely to be available for hosting Tests, which has been part of the struggle for members such as Ireland,” the report added.
“It guarantees that everyone is playing Test cricket. Those that really want to play the format now have opportunities and there is an incentive for other teams to play them.”
Zimbabwe, alongside Afghanistan and Ireland, were excluded from the ongoing WTC cycle, which is in its second edition. The inaugural championship began with the 2019 Ashes. Earlier this year, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani condemned the exclusion, calling it “unfair” and contrary to the principles of Full Membership.
“To be a Full Member, you must play all three formats. That is an eligibility criterion. So, every member must have an equal and fair opportunity to play all three formats, without discrimination. The current set up negates the purpose of being a Test playing Full Member,” said Mukuhlani.
The ICC board is expected to revisit the issue and vote on the new structure at its next round of meetings early next year. — @brandon_malvin
