World Test Championship 2025–27 officially gets underway on June 17 with the first Test in Galle, Sri Lanka, featuring the hosts against Bangladesh. Alongside this historic beginning, the
International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a new concussion substitute rule aimed at curbing unfair substitute practices and ensuring player welfare is prioritized.
Concussion Substitutes: How the Rule Works
World Test Championship 2025–27 For the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test, each team must submit the names of five potential concussion substitutes to the match referee before the toss. The designated substitutes include:
- One wicketkeeper
- One batter
- One fast bowler
- One spinner
- One all-rounder
If a player suffers a head injury during the match, one of the named five may replace them, pending approval by the match referee. This structured approach replaces the previous ad-hoc substitution system, where teams could bring in a substitute without oversight. It promotes fairness and keeps the integrity of the game intact. Additionally, with automatic referee oversight, sudden injuries will not force teams into unexpected pairings or strategic rearrangements.
Angelo Mathews to End Iconic Career in Galle
The first Test holds extra significance as it marks the farewell to Sri Lankan stalwart Angelo Mathews. The former captain will play his final Test match in his home ground at Galle before retiring from the format. Mathews’s departure signals the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket, making Galle a poignant venue for his swan song.
WTC 2025–27: A Comprehensive Two-Year Campaign
Announced on June 16, the ICC’s new WTC cycle features:
- Nine participating teams
- A two-year format
- A total of 71 Test matches
In the World Test Championship 2025–27Each team has a predetermined number of matches based on scheduling feasibility. Australia heads the pack with 22 matches, while England will play 21 fixtures. India is scheduled for 18 matches across the cycle. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh launch their campaigns earlier, from June 17, with India kicking off their series on June 20 in England.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Series Overview
- First Test: June 17, Galle Mathews’s swansong
- Second Test: June 25–29, Colombo
This Test series will set the tone not only for World Test Championship 2025–27 athletics but also for regional cricket bragging rights. Historically, Sri Lanka has dominated the head-to-head Test record, having won 20 of the 26 encounters, while Bangladesh have managed only one victory, and five draws have been recorded. Their inaugural Test clash took place in September 2001, and Bangladesh claimed their lone win in March 2017. With Mathews on his final lap, Sri Lanka will be eager to begin with a win as tribute to their legend.
Team Squads for the Series
Sri Lanka National Team
Captain: Dhananjaya de Silva
Players: Pathum Nissanka, Pawan Ratnayake, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Oshada Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Udara, Tharindu Ratnayake, Milan Priyanath Ratnayake, Isitha Wijesundera.
Bangladesh National Team
Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Players: Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Naeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Liton Das, Ibadat Hossain, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Hasan Murad, Nahid Rana.
Why the Concussion Rule Matters
World Test Championship 2025–27 The introduction of a formal concussion substitute system represents an important milestone for player safety in Test cricket. Rather than ad-hoc replacements, which sometimes allowed non-specialist players to take the field, this rule ensures
- Player health is managed by medical professionals and not sacrificed for tactical gain.
- Strategic fairness is maintained across all teams.
- Game excitement is retained, as teams can rely on robust bench strength.
This rule follows the 2019 framework introduced in limited-overs formats but adapts it to the rigors of Test cricket.
Looking Ahead The Stakes for WTC 2025–27
World Test Championship 2025–27 Over a two-year period, 71 Test matches will determine which teams qualify for the WTC final. Australia, England, and India feature heavily in the schedule. Outcomes from this cycle will shape the global rankings and inform selection patterns leading into the mid-2020s.
World Test Championship 2025–27 For Sri Lanka, the opening series against Bangladesh provides a crucial opportunity to build momentum and test new talent after Mathews’s departure. For Bangladesh, a competitive showing could boost morale and performance in future cycles.
Final Reflections
World Test Championship 2025–27 The inaugural Test in Galle is more than just the first of the WTC cycle it’s a symbolic blend of tradition and evolution. Sri Lankan cricket honors a national icon, while the ICC strengthens the game’s safety standards. As teams prepare to lock horns in the successive months, fans around the world can expect thrilling cricket, emotional landmarks, and a thoughtfully regulated format that places sportsmanship and well-being at the forefront.