🏏 WTC 2025–27: Australia to Play Most Tests, Sri Lanka the Least

Cricket Desk: As the ICC unveils the schedule for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle, notable disparities in the number of matches allotted to each nation have sparked widespread debate. Australia is set to play the most Test matches, while Sri Lanka will play the least, raising questions about balance and fairness in the championship structure.

🔹 Australia Leads the Pack

Australia, who finished runners-up in the 2021 WTC and clinched the 2023 title, will play 21 Test matches in the upcoming cycle. Their packed calendar reflects their dominance and commercial pull in the red-ball format.

🔹 Sri Lanka Lags Behind

In contrast, Sri Lanka will feature in only 9 Test matches, the fewest among all participating nations. The stark difference has reignited concerns over the future of Test cricket in lower-tier nations, where scheduling opportunities and revenue remain limited.

🔹 South Africa’s WTC 2023 Journey

Interestingly, South Africa, the defending WTC champions, had played fewer Tests than many other teams in the last cycle. Their title win despite limited fixtures had already triggered debate, and the trend appears to continue, with the Proteas set for a relatively modest number of matches in 2025–27 as well.

🔹 Criticism and Concerns

Cricket experts and fans have criticized the scheduling imbalance, pointing out how fewer Test matches limit development and competitiveness for emerging teams. Some have called for a minimum Test quota to ensure a level playing field.

📝 Quick Glance: WTC 2025–27 Test Match Count

🗣️ What’s Next?

With the WTC structure continuing to evolve, stakeholders are calling on the ICC to balance tradition with inclusion, ensuring Test cricket thrives not just in dominant nations, but globally.