WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Test Championship (WTC) is a newly introduced championship in Test cricket that began in August 2019. Meanwhile, it is a two-year tournament featuring the top nine Test-playing nations. ICC crowns the champions of the top two teams competing in the final match in the championship.

History

The idea of a Test championship was around for a long time. Meanwhile, the first discussions took place in the 1990s. In 2010, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced its plans for a championship. The championship was scheduled to begin in 2013. Logistical and financial issues caused the postponement of it. The idea was revived in 2017. Meanwhile, the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship began in 2019.

Format

The World Test Championship features nine Test-playing nations: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Meanwhile, each team plays six series (three home and three away). Moreover, each series consists of a minimum of two Test matches. Meanwhile, the points system awards a team a maximum of 120 points per series. Moreover, the top two teams at the end of the two-year cycle qualify for the final. The final is a one-off match, played over five days, at a neutral venue.

Revenues

The World Test Championship is expected to generate significant revenues for the ICC, the participating teams, and the host countries. The main sources of revenue include broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise sales. The championship is expected to attract a large global audience. Meanwhile, major broadcasting companies bidding for the rights to broadcast the matches.

Rivalries

The World Test Championship has created new rivalries and added an extra edge to existing ones. The competition is intense, with each team fighting for a place in the final. The India-Australia rivalry, in particular, has gained extra significance. Meanwhile, both teams fighting for the top spot in the championship standings. Other notable rivalries include England-Australia, India-Pakistan, and South Africa-Australia.

Fanbase

The World Test Championship has added a new dimension to Test cricket and created excitement and interest among cricket fans around the world. With its unique format, significant revenues, and intense rivalries, the championship promises to be a landmark event in the cricketing calendar. The championship provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on the biggest stage and create memories that will last a lifetime. The World Test Championship is more than just a cricket tournament – it is a celebration of the sport’s rich history and tradition, and it will continue to captivate cricket fans for years to come.