Karachi, July 21, 2025: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is likely to be placed in the second division under a proposed two-tier system for Test cricket, according to reports from British media.
The plan, which could reshape the future of the longest format of the game, is currently under review by an eight-member working group formed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). The group is chaired by Sanjog Gupta, with key members including the chief executives of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA).
The working group has been tasked with developing recommendations on the divisional structure, which are expected to be presented to the ICC by the end of 2025. If approved, the new format would take effect starting from the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, slated for 2027–2029.
The revamped WTC is proposed to include 12 teams, up from the current nine, and divide them into two tiers of six teams each. According to reports, the top division will likely feature high-ranking sides such as South Africa, Australia, India, England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka — with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and West Indies to be placed in the second division alongside Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.
While the restructuring aims to enhance competitiveness and provide emerging teams with more meaningful fixtures, the proposed overhaul would mark one of the most significant changes in Test cricket’s 133-year history. To proceed, the system will require a two-thirds majority approval from the ICC’s 12 full member nations.
One of the key challenges lies in determining a fair system of promotion and relegation between the divisions, which is expected to spark intense debate. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the financial implications for teams placed in the second tier, who may require increased funding and exposure to sustain high-performance programs.
The idea of a two-division Test structure first gained traction during discussions between CA and ECB officials at the Women’s Ashes in January 2024. Cricket Australia has since been a vocal proponent of the model, also advocating for the ‘Big Three’ — Australia, England, and India — to face each other more frequently, suggesting biannual encounters rather than the current schedule of two series every four years.
If implemented, the new format could not only alter the global Test cricket hierarchy but also spark wide-ranging implications for revenue distribution, bilateral series planning, and the future competitiveness of teams like Pakistan.
