The same number of points will be assigned to every Test match in the 2021 to 2023 WTC cycle, according to an announcement by the ICC. In the previous cycle, 120 points were assigned to every series. In a departure from that system, 12 points will be assigned for every win in WTC 2 with four points for a draw and six for a tie. The ICC has made the change ostensibly to simplify the system. In a further elaboration of the new point system, the ICC stated that under the previous system, it was easier to score full points in a series of shorter duration. The ICC has reportedly made the changes to address that anomaly.
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ICC Chief Exec Weighs in
In a statement to the media, the ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice was quoted as saying, “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified. The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing, while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests.”
Each Team in WTC 2 to Play Six Series
WTC 2 will witness nine teams in the fray to win the Test mace. Each team will play six series, 3 away and 3 at home. The first Test series of WTC 2 will be played between England and India, beginning on 4 August. The ICC has announced a cut-off date for the last match of WTC 2, as 31 March 2023. Teams involved in WTC 2 will be allowed to include day-night matches in a series. However, the championship will not include 4-day Test matches. The teams will be penalised one championship point for each over bowled short.
| Spread of Fixtures in World Test Championship 2021-2023 | ||
| Team | Home Series Against | Away Series Against |
| Australia | England, South Africa, West Indies | India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| Bangladesh | Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka | South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies |
| England | India, South Africa, New Zealand | Australia, Pakistan, West Indies |
| India | New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka | England, South Africa, Bangladesh |
| New Zealand | South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka | India, Pakistan, England |
| Pakistan | Australia, England, New Zealand | Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies |
| South Africa | India, West Indies, Bangladesh | Australia, England, New Zealand |
| Sri Lanka | West Indies, Australia, Pakistan | Bangladesh, New Zealand, India |
| West Indies | Pakistan, Bangladesh, England | Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka |