Wisden editor Lawrence Booth called the World Test Championship a “mess pretending to be a top event.”
In the latest edition of Wisden, Booth also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), especially Jay Shah’s move from BCCI secretary to ICC chairman in August. This happened while India refused to play their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which was chosen as the host by the ICC.
Booth wrote that the lack of reaction to Shah’s appointment showed how cricket lost its way in 2024, no longer run fairly for everyone.
He added that India already had most of the power in cricket—and now they had it all.
Booth spoke about the World Test Championship (WTC), saying it should last four years instead of two.
Right now, the WTC runs for two years. Each team plays six series – three at home and three away. They get 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. But since teams play a different number of matches, the rankings are based on the percentage of points won.
Booth called the current system confusing and hard to follow. He said it should be one of the first things the ICC looks at fixing.
He suggested the tournament should last four years, like football and rugby World Cups. He also said the top nine teams should all play each other, both home and away, with each series having at least three matches.
The third WTC final will take place from 11 to 15 June at Lord’s, where South Africa will play Australia.
