This will not only improve performance on overseas tours but will also bring better balance to international cricket. This change will prepare teams better for tough matches abroad.
Change in chances of reaching the final
If these proposals are implemented, teams like England will have a better chance of reaching the WTC final as they play against big teams like India and Australia in every round. For example, if this rule was implemented earlier, New Zealand would have got more points for winning the Test series 3-0 in India last year.
Plans to level the playing field
This move by the ICC is an attempt to level the playing field as currently India, Australia, and England play twice as many matches as other teams. Another proposal is to introduce a seeding system in which wins against big teams will be given more importance. This new system will benefit teams that beat big teams.
Criticism of the current system
The current points system has long been criticised, particularly the accusation that it benefits bigger teams more because they play more matches. For example, South Africa beat several teams in the 2023-25 cycle, but did not face bigger teams like Australia or England. This raises the question of whether they had an easier time qualifying.
Focus on India-Pakistan Test series
Finally, any new change will need to take into account the lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. There are no bilateral Test series between the two countries for political reasons, which could make it challenging to make the points system completely fair.
With such a change, the ICC wants to ensure that the WTC cycle is not only more competitive, but also fairer for all teams.
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