Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg stated in Durban that the upcoming World Test Championship for the 2028-29 cycle will likely transition into a 12-team model to give every Test nation an opportunity to participate. Talks regarding the structure remain ongoing as part of discussions for the next Future Tours Programme spanning 2028 to 2031. The International Cricket Council has declined to comment on Greenberg’s remarks.
ICC board members resist World Test Championship expansion
Greenberg’s remarks contrast with internal positions at the International Cricket Council and current financial conditions across global cricket boards. An ICC board member said that no structural proposal for the World Test Championship has been submitted or is expected for discussion at the upcoming board meeting in November, where the Future Tours Programme may be announced. Previous reporting in August also indicated minimal support for a 12-team expansion.
Producing and broadcasting home Test cricket remains financially unviable for most International Cricket Council members outside of India, England, and Australia. While the three major boards continue scheduling reciprocal five-Test series, smaller nations struggle with production costs. Adding Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan would require single Test series weighted by percentage for finals qualification because those boards cannot fund longer series. Only Cricket Zimbabwe is known to support the expansion.
Financial Strain Across Member Boards
Even established boards like South Africa and New Zealand depend heavily on lucrative inbound tours from India to balance their budgets. Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies faces severe financial shortfalls following an unprofitable home cycle featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring described revenue from those markets as non-existent while mandatory production expenses—such as Decision Review System technology and Hawkeye—remain high. Consequently, Cricket West Indies announced a 25% player pay cut ahead of an upcoming tour by India due to lower projected broadcast revenues.
ICC board meeting may announce Future Tours Programme
When will the International Cricket Council announce the 2028-31 Future Tours Programme?
The International Cricket Council board meeting is scheduled for November, where officials may announce the upcoming Future Tours Programme.
Which Test nations support the proposed 12-team World Test Championship expansion?
Only Cricket Zimbabwe is known to support the expansion proposal.
Why are smaller cricket boards struggling to host Test matches?
Boards face high mandatory production costs for technologies like the Decision Review System and Hawkeye, which are not offset by television broadcast revenues from markets outside of India, England, and Australia.
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