ICC to introduce bonus points in World Test Championship

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to introduce additional points in the World Test Championship (WTC).

The final of the World Test Championship will take place at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June 2025, and ticket sales are already underway.

According to media reports, significant changes will be made to the points system in the fourth edition of the WTC. The ICC has faced criticism for its current league-stage format, which has been described as unclear and unfair. This feedback has prompted the decision to revamp the system.

The ICC plans to award extra points for dominant victories, following the structure of domestic first-class tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy and Sheffield Shield. This change aims to encourage teams to play more aggressive cricket.

Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the tournament format, as the current system does not allow all 10 participating teams to play against each other.

The new points system will be discussed at the ICC meeting in April.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been a vocal critic of the current format. Despite hosting all three WTC finals so far, England has failed to qualify for any of them.

ECB chairman Richard Thompson has emphasised the need for a fairer and more competitive World Test Championship.