With only a few months to go before the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle kicks in, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is said to be exploring an all-new bonus point system. The concept is to give teams incentive for thorough wins and away wins, providing more encouragement to go for overawing performances. Today, a team gets 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw, irrespective of the winning margin. Whether the victory is nervy by one run or comprehensive by an innings, the pay is the same.
But this plan could soon change, beginning with India’s much-awaited five-Test series against England between June and August. On the cards since the very beginning of the WTC, according to people privy to the deliberations, is the proposal to give bonus points for emphatic victories. Most teams think that a wholesome win, particularly against top-ranked opponents such as Australia, India, or England, merits greater attention.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 – Gujarat Titans’ Key Players To Watch For
If cleared in the ICC’s April session, a landslide victory or an away win against these cricket giants may earn extra points, which can change the way teams plan in the WTC. A retired Indian cricketer, while talking to PTI, welcomed the proposal, stating, “It’s a good move if it really happens. Teams will be more motivated to go for results, and we could see some exciting games.”
🚨 ICC to discuss changes in April for next cycle of WTC :
– Bonus points for big wins (e.g., by an innings)
-Extra points for away wins to encourage overseas success
– More points for beating top teams like Ind, Aus, Eng
– Fairer schedule to avoid easy routes to the final pic.twitter.com/ArvEk6UO7k
— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) March 19, 2025
The potential for extra points for away victories is also regarded as a motivating aspect, especially for teams commonly referred to as underdogs. The player pointed to New Zealand’s historic win over India last year, noting that such success should be rewarded further. “Winning away from home is difficult enough, but an extra point might be that little carrot for teams,” he continued.
Furthermore, the ICC is expected to reconsider the idea of a two-tier Test system at the next board meeting. Although the purpose of the system is to provide more competitive matches, there are doubts about its effect on the opportunities of weaker teams to play against top teams.
ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan on MS Dhoni’s Everlasting Fan Following: He Reflects On IPL 2025 Crowd Dynamics
“They should think twice before adopting it,” the retired player stated. “There are teams that already get fewer opportunities to play against top teams, and a two-tier system can cut those chances down even more.”
As the WTC prepares for another cycle, these talks might change the face of Test cricket, making each match more competitive and rewarding.
