Barely has the dust settled from South Africa’s triumphant lift of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 title at Lord’s, and the wheels of red-ball cricket are already turning again. The third edition of the WTC concluded with fireworks and finesse — now, a brand-new chapter unfolds as the 2025–27 cycle kicks off with some mouthwatering contests on the calendar.
The opening serve comes from the subcontinent, where Sri Lanka hosts Bangladesh in a two-match Test series beginning 17 June. This clash marks the ceremonial start of the third WTC cycle and will be closely followed by the marquee five-Test battle between England and India, arguably the fiercest modern-day Test rivalry.
A Summer of Blockbusters: India Tour of England
England and India will renew their storied rivalry with games scheduled at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval — venues that have witnessed some of the most iconic Test moments in history. With both sides boasting deep benches and world-class talent, this series could very well shape the leaderboard early in the cycle.
Australia’s Redemption Path Begins in the Caribbean
Meanwhile, beaten finalists Australia are heading to the Caribbean with unfinished business. Their quest to reclaim the WTC mace begins with a three-Test series against the West Indies, with the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy on the line. It’s more than just a trophy — it’s about laying the groundwork for another title shot.
The WTC Framework: Familiar Rules, Fierce Competition
Like the previous editions, the 2025–27 WTC will see nine Test-playing nations participate. Each team is scheduled to play six series — three at home, three away — spread across a two-year window. The points system remains unchanged: 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. What matters most, however, is the points percentage, which determines the standings and ultimately, the top two teams to play in the Final.
Key Fixtures & Tour Highlights:
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Australia are set for 11 home Tests, including the Ashes against England and a four-Test series versus New Zealand.
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England will feature in 21 Tests — 11 at home and 10 away — including a high-stakes December 2026 tour to South Africa.
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India will play 18 matches, evenly divided between home and away grounds.
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New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions, are booked for 16 Tests this cycle.
Jay Shah: “A Tournament That Revives Test Cricket”
ICC Chair Jay Shah lauded the World Test Championship for revitalizing interest in the longest format. Reflecting on the recent finale, he highlighted its ability to bring global audiences together.
“The third edition of the World Test Championship came to a fantastic conclusion at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa played out a classic encounter,” Shah noted. “This Championship continues to invigorate Test match cricket, and four of the nine competing nations have now reached a Final over the first three cycles.”
He emphasized the importance of fan engagement, competitive spirit, and the global reach of the game:
“The turnout at Lord’s and global viewership numbers prove that Test cricket remains a beloved format. I’d like to thank the Member Boards for their ongoing support and wish all participating players the very best as we head toward the 2027 Final.”
Upcoming Fixtures Snapshot: WTC 2025–27 Launch Phase
| Series | Start Date | Matches | Venue Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | 17 June 2025 | 2 Tests | Colombo, Galle |
| England vs India | Late June 2025 | 5 Tests | Lord’s, Headingley, The Oval |
| West Indies vs Australia | July 2025 | 3 Tests | Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica |
With the World Test Championship now firmly established as the heartbeat of red-ball cricket, anticipation is high. The next two years promise gripping battles, tactical showdowns, and moments of pure sporting theatre — culminating in yet another high-voltage WTC Final in 2027.
