THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL (ICC) is preparing for structural reforms in global cricket, including expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) to 12 teams and finalising a qualification system for cricket’s return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
These decisions, expected to be ratified in upcoming ICC board meetings, could significantly reshape both Test cricket’s competitive landscape and international qualification pathways, according to news reports
The WTC is set to expand from 9 to 12 teams starting the 2027–29 cycle and Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe are expected to be included alongside the current nine teams. The move marks the first time all ICC Full Members are likely to participate in the WTC.
The ICC had earlier considered a two-tier system, but this faced strong opposition from smaller cricket boards and expansion is seen as a more inclusive alternative, ensuring equal participation at the highest level. This will lead to greater global representation and opportunities for emerging teams, potential changes to scheduling, including minimum Test match requirements per team, and discussions around balancing workload and maintaining competitiveness. This is being viewed as one of the most significant reforms in modern Test cricket. The ongoing 2025–27 WTC cycle features only 9 teams and the proposed expansion directly addresses this long-standing limitation.
Cricket will return to the Olympics in T20 format with only 6 teams per gender. According to discussions within the ICC, USA (host nation) will get a direct entry, and then there will be continental qualification with top-ranked teams from Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania qualifying directly. The final spot will be decided via a global qualifier tournament featuring top remaining teams
Key ICC meetings scheduled in Doha (March 2026) were postponed due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and interim virtual meetings failed to finalise decisions. A rescheduled in-person meeting (likely in Bangkok) is expected to ratify both reforms soon. ICC aims to finalise both WTC expansion and Olympic qualification before the July 2026 Annual Conference. If approved, The 12-team WTC begins in July 2027 and Olympic qualification pathway will guide team selection for LA 2028.
