Rules & 15 Most Important Issues of “ICC Test Championship” (WTC)

Rules of ICC test championship

The ICC Test Championship is a ranking system that is used to determine the best Test cricket team in the world. The following are the rules that govern the ICC Test Championship:

1. Points System: The teams earn points based on the results of each Test match they play, with each series being worth a maximum of 120 points, regardless of the number of Tests in the series.
2. Home and Away Matches: Teams play six series each - three at home and three away - with the total number of matches being 72.
3. Qualification for Final: The top two teams at the end of the league stage (which lasts for two years) will qualify for the final of the ICC Test Championship.
4. Venue for Final: The final of the ICC Test Championship will be played at a neutral venue.
5. Tie-breakers: In case of a tie on points between two or more teams at the end of the league stage, the following tie-breakers will be used to determine the final standings:
• Percentage of points earned (i.e. the ratio of points earned to points available)
• Number of series won
• Number of matches won
• Head-to-head record
• Net run rate
6. Point Deduction: Teams will be deducted points for slow over rates.
7. Points for Draw: A draw will be worth one-third of the points awarded for a win.
8. Points for Tie: A tie will be worth half the points awarded for a win.
9. Suspension of Membership: Teams that are suspended by the ICC will be excluded from the ICC Test Championship.

15 Important Issues of “ICC Test Championship”

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a competition that aims to bring more context and meaning to Test cricket, the longest and most traditional format of the game. The inaugural edition of the championship started in 2019 and culminated in a thrilling final between India and New Zealand at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton in June 2021. The WTC has already highlighted several important issues in Test cricket that need attention and discussion. In this blog, we will take a look at the 15 most significant issues of the ICC World Test Championship.

1.      The relevance of Test cricket:

The WTC was launched to give more meaning and importance to Test cricket and to make it more relevant in the modern era of cricket. The competition has helped to bring back the excitement and competitiveness in Test matches and has shown that there is still a place for this format in the cricketing world.

2.      Scheduling:

The scheduling of the WTC has been a significant issue. The tournament has been plagued by rain, bad light, and Covid-19 restrictions, which has led to several matches being cancelled or rescheduled. This has affected the fairness of the competition, and some teams have had more opportunities to play than others.

3.      Points system:

    The points system of the WTC has also been a contentious issue. The system is based on a percentage of points won from the total points available in each series, which means that some series are more important than others. This has led to criticism that some teams have had an easier route to the final than others.

4.      Home advantage:

Home advantage has been a crucial factor in the WTC. Teams have been dominant on their home grounds, and this has affected the competitiveness of the competition. The ICC needs to find a way to balance the advantage of playing at home with the need for a fair competition.

5.      Pitch conditions:

The WTC has also highlighted the importance of pitch conditions in Test cricket. Teams have been accused of preparing pitches to suit their strengths and to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. This has led to debates about the fairness of the conditions and the need for more standardized pitches.

6.      Player workload:

The WTC has placed an additional burden on players, who have had to play more Test matches than usual in a short period. This has raised concerns about player burnout and the need for better management of the workload.

7.      Financial implications:

The WTC has also had financial implications for cricket boards and players. Some boards have had to invest more in Test cricket to compete in the championship, while players have had to forego lucrative T20 leagues to play Test cricket. This has raised questions about the sustainability of Test cricket and the need for a more balanced cricketing ecosystem.

8.      Broadcasting and media coverage:

The WTC has received less media coverage and broadcasting rights than other cricket tournaments. This has affected the popularity of the competition and its ability to attract new fans.

9.      Injuries:

Injuries have also played a significant role in the WTC. Several players have been ruled out of matches due to injuries, which has affected the performance of their teams. The ICC needs to find a way to manage injuries and ensure that players are not overworked.

10.  Team selection:

The WTC has also highlighted the importance of team selection. Teams have to strike a balance between experienced players and young talent, between batsmen and bowlers, and between spinners and pacers. The right selection can make a significant difference in the outcome of a match.

11.  Umpiring:

The WTC has also raised concerns about the standard of umpiring in Test cricket. There have been several controversial decisions that have affected the outcome of matches. The ICC needs to find a way to improve the standard of umpiring and to ensure that it is fair

12. Covid-19 protocols:

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the WTC significantly, with several matches being cancelled or rescheduled due to positive cases among players and support staff. The pandemic has also affected the mental health and well-being of players, who have had to deal with the stress and uncertainty of playing during a pandemic.

13. Fan engagement:

The WTC has also highlighted the need for better fan engagement in Test cricket. The format has struggled to attract younger fans, who prefer the shorter and more dynamic formats of the game. The ICC needs to find a way to make Test cricket more engaging and entertaining for fans.

14. Environmental impact:

The WTC has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of cricket. The sport has a significant carbon footprint, with long-distance travel, stadium lighting, and water consumption being some of the main contributors. The ICC needs to find a way to make cricket more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

15. The future of Test cricket:

The WTC has shown that Test cricket can still be exciting and relevant in the modern era of cricket. However, the format faces several challenges, including competition from T20 leagues, declining interest from fans, and the need for more standardized and fair conditions. The ICC needs to find a way to ensure the future of Test cricket and to make it more sustainable and popular.

In conclusion, the ICC World Test Championship has highlighted several crucial issues in Test cricket that need attention and discussion. These issues include scheduling, points system, home advantage, pitch conditions, player workload, financial implications, broadcasting and media coverage, injuries, team selection, umpiring, Covid-19 protocols, fan engagement, environmental impact, and the future of Test cricket. The ICC needs to address these issues and find a way to make Test cricket more exciting, relevant, and sustainable in the years to come.