What Is 2017 ICC World Test Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 ICC World Test Championship did not occur; the inaugural edition began in 2019. The concept was approved in 2017, with the first cycle running from 2019 to 2021, involving 9 teams competing across 6 series each.

Key Facts

ICC approved the World Test Championship concept in April 2017
First cycle began in August 2019 with 9 top-ranked Test nations
Championship spanned two years, from 2019 to 2021
Each team played six Test series, three at home and three away
Final held in June 2021 at Lord’s, won by New Zealand

Overview

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) was not an event that took place in 2017, but rather a competition whose framework was established that year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially approved the concept in April 2017, setting the stage for a structured, league-based system to determine the best Test cricket team over a cycle.

The inaugural cycle began in 2019 and concluded in 2021, replacing the lack of a formal global structure in Test cricket. The 2017 decision aimed to bring context, competitiveness, and prestige back to the longest format of the game, which had seen declining viewer interest compared to limited-overs formats.

Approval date: The ICC announced the launch of the World Test Championship in April 2017, following years of discussion about improving Test cricket’s global appeal.
First cycle start: The first official matches counted toward the WTC began in August 2019, when England hosted West Indies in a two-match series.
Participating teams:Nine top-ranked Test-playing nations were included: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.
Format: Each team played six series—three at home and three away—over a two-year cycle, with points awarded based on series results.
Final match: The championship culminated in a final between the top two teams in June 2021 at Lord’s, where New Zealand defeated India to become the first WTC champions.

How It Works

The ICC World Test Championship introduced a structured, points-based league system to Test cricket for the first time, giving context to bilateral series and rewarding consistent performance over time.

Series Structure: Each team played 6 Test series over a two-year cycle—three at home and three away—with each series consisting of 2 to 5 matches depending on bilateral agreements.
Points Allocation: Teams earned points based on the percentage of available points won in each series, ensuring fairness regardless of series length.
Win Percentage: A win earned 12 points, a draw 6 points, and a tie 6 points, with points prorated in multi-Test series.
Ranking System: Teams were ranked by percentage of total points earned out of maximum available, not total points, to account for varying series lengths.
Final Qualification: The top 2 teams at the end of the league stage advanced to the final, a one-off match hosted at a neutral venue like Lord’s.
ICC Oversight: The ICC managed scheduling, points tracking, and final logistics, though bilateral boards retained control over individual series arrangements.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the first ICC World Test Championship cycle (2019–2021) with previous attempts to add structure to Test cricket.

Feature	2019–2021 WTC	Past Test Structures
Number of Teams	9	Varied, often ad hoc
Duration	2 years (2019–2021)	No formal cycle
Final Match	Yes (Lord’s, 2021)	No official world champion
Points System	Percentage-based	No standardized system
Champion	New Zealand	None recognized

This structured approach marked a significant shift from the past, where Test cricket lacked a definitive world champion. The 2019–2021 cycle set a precedent for future editions, with the second cycle running from 2021 to 2023 and including 12 teams. The success of the first WTC validated the 2017 decision and helped stabilize Test cricket’s place in the international calendar.

Why It Matters

The creation of the ICC World Test Championship, approved in 2017, was a pivotal moment for Test cricket, addressing long-standing concerns about the format’s relevance and commercial viability in the modern era.

Increased competitiveness: Teams had greater incentive to win Test series, even in less prominent tours, due to ranking implications and final qualification.
Global audience: The WTC final in 2021 drew over 10 million viewers worldwide, boosting visibility for Test cricket.
Financial incentives: ICC distributed prize money for the first time in Test history, with $1.6 million awarded to the champion team.
Scheduling stability: Boards committed to longer-term fixtures, improving planning for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.
Legacy recognition: Players could now compete for a world title in Test cricket, enhancing career achievements.
Format preservation: The WTC helped justify the continued inclusion of Test cricket in international calendars amid T20 dominance.

The 2017 decision laid the foundation for a sustainable future for Test cricket, transforming it from a loosely connected series of matches into a coherent, high-stakes competition with global significance.