The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the full schedule for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. The upcoming edition of the championship will feature nine participating teams,
with a total of 71 Test matches to be played across different series. The competition will kick off on June 17, 2025, with the opening match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the picturesque Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka.
Interestingly, the announcement came just a day after South Africa clinched the WTC 2023–25 title, emerging as the champions of the previous cycle. Wasting no time, the ICC laid out the roadmap for the next two-year Test cricket cycle, which promises some intense rivalries and crucial series.
Australia and England to Play the Most Matches
According to the schedule released by ICC, Australia will play the most number of matches in this cycle 22 Tests, followed closely by England, who will compete in 21 Tests.
These two cricketing powerhouses are also set to lock horns in another iconic Ashes series later this year, which is sure to be one of the major highlights of the WTC cycle.
India’s WTC Campaign: 18 Test Matches Across Continents
Team India, led by Shubman Gill, is scheduled to play 18 Test matches during the 2025–27 WTC cycle. India will begin its campaign on June 20, 2025, against England in the first Test of a five-match series. The series opener will be held at Headingley, Leeds, marking a high stakes start for India in foreign conditions.
Following the England tour, India will host West Indies, South Africa, and Australia for home series, giving them an advantage in familiar conditions. Apart from these, India will also travel to Sri Lanka and New Zealand to play away Test series.
This diverse schedule ensures India plays Tests both at home and overseas, making their campaign strategically important, especially after finishing third in the WTC 2023–25 standings.
India’s Mission: Revenge Against Australia
India will be particularly eager to settle scores with Australia, having fallen short in recent encounters. One of the key objectives for India in this new cycle will be to win the home Test series against Australia, which consists of five matches.
With home advantage and a strong lineup, India will look to dominate and take revenge for past defeats.
South Africa to Begin Campaign in October
Defending champions South Africa will commence their WTC 2025–27 journey in October 2025, when they tour Pakistan for a Test series.
The Proteas have a fairly balanced schedule but will be eagerly awaiting their home series against Australia, which is scheduled for September 2026. The three-match Test series will be a major event for South African fans, especially as they look to maintain their winning momentum from the previous WTC cycle.
Team-Wise Match Distribution
Each of the nine teams has a different number of scheduled Tests in this cycle. Here’s a breakdown:
- Australia – 22 matches
- England – 21 matches
- India – 18 matches
- New Zealand – 16 matches
- West Indies – 14 matches
- South Africa – 14 matches
- Pakistan – 13 matches
- Sri Lanka – 12 matches
- Bangladesh – 12 matches
This structure ensures a fair balance between home and away series, although the exact points system and tie-breaker rules remain consistent with previous cycles.
WTC 2025–27: A Highly Anticipated Cycle
The 2025–27 World Test Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet
India’s mix of young leadership, home advantage, and a hunger to reclaim their place in the final could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the championship. On the other hand, Australia and England’s packed schedules will test their bench strength and endurance.
As we inch closer to the first Test on June 17, all eyes will be on how teams prepare and strategize for the ultimate prize in Test cricket the World Test Championship mace.
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