KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to reconsider expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) to 12 teams and allowing only one Test match to count in its next cycle at its upcoming meetings later this month.
According to a report by an international cricket news website, the apex body is set to hold a series of meetings, including the Chief Executive Committee (CEC) and Board meetings originally scheduled for March-April this year in Doha.
According to the report, the CEC meeting will be held almost on May 21, while the individual committee meeting is scheduled to be held on May 30 and 31 in Ahmedabad.
During the meetings, the task force, which was set up last year under the chairmanship of former New Zealand batsman Roger Tooce, is expected to present its recommendations to the board leaders regarding the WTC expansion.
In November, the group proposed a two-part WTC model, but it was rejected by several full member states.
The task force will now return with a revised plan for an expanded 12-team WTC to include Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland, the report added.
The committee will also recommend that one-off Test matches be allowed to count for points accumulated in the league’s two-year cycle.
According to an official familiar with the discussions, this is an attempt to make it more financially viable for larger full members to host smaller countries, including the three new entrants.
As per the current structure, the WTC series should consist of at least two Tests, which some major boards consider a loss-making exercise.