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Wisden Annual Publication Critiques World Test Championship Format
The latest edition of Wisden, the esteemed cricket almanac, has been released, and in addition to revealing its annual awards, it presents a critical analysis of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The publication argues that the World Test Championship (WTC) is fundamentally flawed, describing it as a “shambles masquerading as a showpiece” event in the global cricket calendar.
Timing of Wisden Release Coincides with ICC Discussions
The release of this respected cricket publication is particularly pertinent as the future structure of the WTC was recently deliberated upon at ICC meetings held in Zimbabwe. In a manner typical of the sport’s governing body, the precise outcomes of these discussions have not yet been publicly disclosed, maintaining an air of ambiguity around the decision-making process.
Concerns Over Current WTC Structure
Sources suggest that the format of the 2025-27 WTC cycle is likely to remain unchanged. This implies a continuation of the nine-team structure and the existing asymmetrical fixture schedule over two years, culminating in a final between the top two teams. Lawrence Booth, the editor of Wisden, in his editorial notes, strongly argues for a more comprehensive four-year, all-play-all format. He points to South Africa’s unexpected journey to the Lord’s final this summer as evidence of the current format’s deficiencies. South Africa reached the final despite participating in a limited number of two-match series and notably avoiding Test series against England and Australia throughout the qualification period.
Wisden Editor’s Call for WTC Overhaul
Booth asserts that addressing the shortcomings of the World Test Championship should be a priority for Jay Shah, the ICC chair. He reiterates his stance that the current WTC format is poorly conceived and inadequate for a premier international cricket competition. “Among the first items in Shah’s in-tray ought to be the World Test Championship, a shambles masquerading as a showpiece,” Booth writes. He emphasizes that this is not a reflection on South Africa’s cricketing merit but rather a symptom of a flawed system, even suggesting their unexpected success might paradoxically encourage their board to prioritize Test cricket.
To rectify these issues, Booth proposes a significant restructuring of the tournament. “The ICC cannot allow the championship to continue as if designed on the back of a fag packet. Double its length to four years, like football and rugby, and ensure the top nine in the rankings all play each other, home and away, over series of at least three Tests,” he advocates.
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Geopolitical Issues Impacting Cricket Fixtures
A persistent obstacle to a fully equitable Test championship structure remains India’s continued reluctance to compete in Pakistan due to prevailing geopolitical tensions. This issue was prominent during the recent Champions Trophy, where the Indian team, eventual tournament victors under Rohit Sharma, based their entire campaign in Dubai. This situation underscores India’s considerable influence within international cricket administration. Jay Shah’s transition from secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ICC chair in December, while these critical issues were under debate, further highlights this dynamic.
Concerns Over Cricket Governance
Booth further expresses concern over the broader governance of cricket. He observes that the muted reaction to Shah’s appointment as ICC chair implies a concerning acceptance of India’s dominant position. Booth suggests that cricket in 2024 has seemingly relinquished any pretense of balanced administration, with governance structures favouring a select few rather than the collective interests of the sport. “The communal shrug [that met Shah’s appointment] confirmed a sorry truth: 2024 was the year cricket gave up any claim to being properly administered, with checks, balances, and governance for the many, not the few. India already had the monopoly: now they had hotels on Park Lane and Mayfair,” Booth remarks.
Wisden Pays Tribute to Graham Thorpe
In other content, Wisden features poignant first-person tributes to Graham Thorpe from Alec Stewart and Thorpe’s wife, Amanda. Amanda Thorpe aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of the depression and anxiety that tragically led to the former England batsman’s suicide last August. “Some people say suicide is selfish,” Amanda Thorpe writes. “But I have so much compassion for what he went through. He didn’t deserve it. No one does.”
Wisden Cricketers of the Year Announced
This year’s Wisden Cricketers of the Year awards, a distinction granted only once and recognising performances in the preceding English cricket season, include three players from Surrey: Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Dan Worrall. Liam Dawson and Sophie Ecclestone are also recognised with this accolade. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah is named the leading men’s cricketer in the world by Wisden, while his compatriot Smriti Mandhana receives the equivalent women’s award, celebrating outstanding achievements in international cricket.