ICC to bring big change in WTC format, LA Olympics qualification blueprint almost locked

International Cricket Council’s (ICC) are all set to introduce massive change in the World Test Championship (WTC) format as upcoming board meeting marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as officials prepare to finalise decisions regarding the elite structure of Test cricket and the qualification process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Originally set to take place in Doha from March 25–27, these crucial quarterly sessions were disrupted by escalating regional tensions in the Middle East and Asia, forcing a shift to virtual consultations. While these digital discussions allowed for basic coordination, the most sensitive and transformative agenda items were deferred to the formal meeting later this month.

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ICC eyes WTC expansion with 12 team-format

A primary focus of these deliberations is the proposed expansion of WTC from 9 teams to 12. According to reports from the Cricket Financial Journal, there is significant momentum to include Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland in the upcoming cycle scheduled to begin in July 2027. This expansion aims to create a more inclusive top-tier environment, addressing long-standing concerns from smaller Full Member boards who feared being marginalized.

This shift toward a larger, unified competition serves as a strategic alternative to previous proposals that suggested splitting Test cricket into two distinct tiers. Many of the smaller nations were staunchly opposed to a multi-division system, worrying it would relegate them to a secondary bracket with less visibility and funding. By expanding the current WTC format instead, the ICC looks to stabilize the international red-ball calendar while ensuring that all Full Members have a clear path to compete at the highest level of the game.

While the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) has reportedly backed the expansion of the World Test Championship, the proposal still awaits full endorsement from several of the sport’s most influential boards. These discussions are happening alongside the development of the next Future Tours Programme (FTP), where the primary goal is to mandate a minimum number of Test matches for every participating nation. To further bridge the gap between established and emerging teams, there is an active proposal to schedule more one-off Test matches, incentivizing powerhouse nations to tour developing cricketing territories.

Olympics 2028 qualification format to be sealed soon

Simultaneously, ICC is finalizing the qualification framework for cricket’s historic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. The current plan envisions six-team tournaments for both men and women, featuring the host nation, the United States, alongside regional champions from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. This structure ensures a truly global representation for the sport's Olympic debut.

To determine the final remaining spot for the Games, the next-highest-ranked teams are expected to face off in a global qualification tournament scheduled for 2027. These critical updates to the Olympic pathway and the Test calendar are expected to be formally ratified before the ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh later this year.