Why Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Will Not Hamper WTC Points Table (Source: X)Bangladesh and Afghanistan are facing each other in a one-off Test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with the contest scheduled from October 9 to October 13, 2026. Although the match has official Test status, its result will not affect the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings/points table.There are two main reasons: Afghanistan is not part of the current WTC, and the fixture is a standalone Test rather than a multi-match series.Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Test won't impact WTC Table due to these reasons It is important to note that Afghanistan is not the part of the WTC. The championship currently features nine teams, including India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies and Pakistan.These teams compete for points through designated Test series during the two-year cycle. Afghanistan, along with Ireland and Zimbabwe, is not one of the participating sides.The second factor is the format of the fixture. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are playing just one Test, with no second match scheduled as part of the series. Under the WTC’s competition rules, a qualifying series must include at least two Tests.ALSO READLitton Das Completes 9000 Runs; Joins Elite List Alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al HasanSince this encounter falls outside the championship rules, the outcome will not add to Bangladesh’s points or change its percentage (PCT). Afghanistan will also receive no WTC points, so the WTC 2025-27 points table will not change.As for the current WTC standings, Australia is at the top of the table with 8 wins in 10 matches they have played so far. Bangladesh is in fourth position with 55.56 PCT % with 3 wins in 6 matches so far.India is in fifth position with 5 wins in 11 matches, and Pakistan is at the bottom of the table.Why Afghanistan Is Not Part Of WTC?The WTC follows a limited-entry format involving nine of the ICC's Test-playing nations. Although Afghanistan is a Full Member of the ICC and plays official Test cricket, it has not been included in the current structure.It is also worth noting that the ICC has not introduced a promotion and relegation system that allows teams outside the WTC to enter the tournament based on their results or rankings.ALSO READFormer Zimbabwe Cricketer And Umpire Sarah Dambanevana Dies At 36
