Photo via Hindustan Times

Cricket Australia CEO’s 12-team WTC idea finds few takers

Cricket Australia’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, has reignited debate over the future of the World Test Championship (WTC) by suggesting an expansion to 12 teams for the 2028-29 cycle, a proposal that has faced skepticism from within the cricketing community. During a media appearance in Durban, Greenberg stated his belief that the WTC would adopt this format, though the International Cricket Council (ICC) has remained tight-lipped, refusing to comment on the matter.

The idea, which would include newly eligible nations like Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan, requires approval from the men’s cricket committee and a vote at the ICC board meeting in November, where the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2028-31 will also be decided. However, an ICC board member dismissed the likelihood of structural changes, emphasizing that no formal proposal has been tabled.

Financial constraints loom large: while the ‘big three’—India, England, and Australia—can sustain reciprocal five-Test series, smaller boards struggle to cover costs, with Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently announcing a 25% player pay cut amid declining revenue from tours. South Africa and New Zealand, too, rely heavily on marquee series like the upcoming Australia series to offset expenses, highlighting the financial fragility of Test cricket outside the top tiers.

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