World Test Championship 2025-27 Cycle Begins with Sri Lanka-Bangladesh and England-India Series

New Zealand will participate in 16 Tests throughout the cycle.

By DTD- On Jun 17, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Following South Africa’s historic triumph in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final, the race to the 2027 decider is now officially underway with the start of the 2025-27 WTC cycle.

The new cycle commenced on 17 June with a two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Sri Lanka. This series marks the opening contest of what promises to be an intense and competitive two-year journey in the longest format of the game.

Shortly after, England and India are set to clash in a highly anticipated five-Test series at some of the most iconic venues in England: Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. This showdown between two cricketing giants is expected to set the tone for the cycle.

Beaten 2025 finalists Australia will begin their redemption quest with a three-Test series in the Caribbean against the West Indies, competing for the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy.

As with previous editions, nine teams will participate in the WTC. Each team will play six opponents – three series at home and three away – across the two-year span. The points system remains the same, with 12 points awarded for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. Rankings will be determined by points percentage.

Australia’s campaign includes 11 Tests at home, featuring an Ashes series against England and a four-Test series against New Zealand. They will also play 11 away matches. England will play 11 home Tests and 10 away, including a challenging three-Test tour of South Africa in December 2026. India, on the other hand, are set for 18 matches, evenly split between home and away series. New Zealand will participate in 16 Tests throughout the cycle.

ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed excitement about the new cycle and praised the format for breathing new life into Test cricket.

“The third edition of the World Test Championship came to a fantastic conclusion at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa played out a classic encounter and we now look forward to the next instalment,” Shah stated.
“This Championship continues to invigorate Test match cricket, and four of the nine competing nations have now reached a Final over the first three cycles.”

He further added, “Bringing context for players and fans, as well as a high level of competitiveness, is key and the big turnout at Lord’s – along with global viewership – for the Final is testimony to the continued popularity of Test cricket.”

Shah concluded by thanking the ICC Member Boards for their ongoing support and wished all participating players success in the upcoming matches leading to the WTC 2027 Final.