![Pat Cummins, Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778391882524_Big Three.jpg)
Pat Cummins, Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes [Source: AFP]
Test cricket is heading toward a major change as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepares a new scheduling strategy for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The new cycle will begin with the Ashes in England next summer.
Under the proposed model, England want to host more five-match Test series at home. Talks have already taken place with South Africa and Pakistan regarding long Test tours in England for the first time in many years. As a result, England fans could witness longer and more competitive red-ball contests in the future.
One-Off Tests Might Get WTC Status
At the same time, the ECB is also ready to reduce the number of Test matches played during overseas tours. Future visits to countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh may include only one Test match, followed by white-ball games like ODIs and T20Is.
According to reports, this move is aimed at improving commercial returns for host cricket boards. Another major development involves the WTC itself.
Cricket administrators are discussing plans to allow one-off Test matches to receive WTC points and official status. Earlier, teams needed to play at least a two-match series for it to count in the championship.
England reportedly supports the idea of one-Test series. The ECB believes this system could create more opportunities for smaller cricketing nations while also helping to protect the future of Test cricket.
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Sri Lanka Legend Publicly Rejects The Plan
The proposed changes have already triggered strong reactions, especially from Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lanka captain and all-rounder Angelo Mathews openly criticised the plan and defended equal treatment for all Test nations.
Mathews strongly opposed the idea of one-off Test matches involving countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He also said that all teams should be treated equally and publicly opposing cricket’s “Big Three” system.
Through a post on X, he questioned the fairness of allowing some teams to play long series while others receive only one Test.
“We should not play one-off Tests with anyone! If any country doesn’t want to play more than one, so be it! There’s nothing called bigger nations and Test status is equal for all Test-playing nations,” Mathews wrote.
He also raised concerns regarding balance within the championship system. According to him, teams should not compete in the same tournament while playing very different numbers of matches.
“You can’t have one team playing 20 games and another playing 10 games in the same championship cycle! Generating revenue and keeping Test cricket alive are two different things, and you should not mix up the two!” he added.
Debate Over The Future Of Test Cricket
Notably, the debate has now shown the growing divide between cricket’s biggest financial powers and smaller Test nations. India, England, and Australia are often referred to as cricket’s “Big Three” due to their financial strength and massive fan following.
Meanwhile, countries such as Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh fear they could receive fewer opportunities in the traditional format.
As discussions continue, the future structure of Test cricket remains uncertain. Even so, the strong response from Sri Lanka has made it clear that several nations want equal respect and equal opportunities in the World Test Championship.
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