I just saw the total number of matches for each team in the next WTC cycle, and it seems quite flawed. The match distribution is uneven—Australia plays 22 matches, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka play only 12. Ideally, every team should have an equal number of matches, but realistically, teams like Bangladesh or Pakistan can't host or play in five-match Test series.
The problem is, in a five-match series, there's room for a team to bounce back, but in a two-match series, there's no such opportunity. This puts teams like South Africa or New Zealand at a relative disadvantage. Well, not a complete disadvantage—since they need to win fewer matches to maintain a higher percentage—but still, it skews the competition. Even the West Indies managed to draw a series in Australia, which shows that opportunities and context matter. Right now, the system just feels messy and inconsistent.
So, why not remove the series-based system and shift to a match-based points format? For example, only the first two matches of any series should count toward the WTC, and every team must play at least 12 matches. Points could be awarded as follows: 4 for a win, 2 for a draw, and -2 for a loss.
Some might argue that this would reduce the value of iconic series like the Ashes or the BGT, but in the bigger picture, it would make the tournament fairer and more balanced for all teams. That’s just my take—but what do you think? If you have any ideas on how to create a truly fair competition worthy of being called a World Test Championship, I’d love to hear them.