The ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle has officially commenced, launching with Sri Lanka’s two-Test home series against Bangladesh starting 17 June. The cycle quickly heats up with a blockbuster five-Test series between England and India, set to take place across Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
Following the conclusion of the previous cycle that saw South Africa crowned WTC 2025 champions, attention now shifts to the road toward the 2027 Final. A packed calendar awaits, featuring marquee matchups and the return of traditional rivalries.
England vs India headlines early fixtures
As the highest-profile clash early in the new cycle, England hosting India over five Tests promises intense competition and major implications for the WTC leaderboard. This series sets the tone for the next two years of Test cricket drama.
Australia’s redemption campaign begins in the Caribbean
Australia, runners-up in the 2025 Final, begin their new campaign with a three-Test series against the West Indies in a bid to reclaim the Frank Worrell Trophy. Their home schedule includes an Ashes series against England and a four-Test showdown with New Zealand.
WTC 2025-27: Format and structure
The nine competing teams will each play six series — three at home and three away — across the two-year span. The WTC will continue to use the points percentage system, awarding 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw to ensure fair competition across uneven schedules.
Key series by team:
- England: 11 home Tests, 10 away, including a tour to South Africa in December 2026
- India: 18 Tests (9 home, 9 away)
- Australia: 11 home Tests including the Ashes, and 11 away
- New Zealand: 16 Tests across the cycle
Jay Shah praises WTC’s growing impact
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed optimism about the future of the WTC format, emphasizing its role in revitalizing interest in Test cricket:
“The third edition of the World Test Championship came to a fantastic conclusion at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa played out a classic encounter and we now look forward to the next instalment… The big turnout at Lord’s and global viewership reflect the enduring appeal of Test cricket.”
With four different nations having reached the Final in the first three cycles, the WTC continues to deliver unpredictability and excitement, injecting renewed relevance into bilateral Test series worldwide.
All eyes now turn to the early matchups as teams begin their campaigns toward the World Test Championship Final 2027.
