Test cricket’s newest entrants Afghanistan and Ireland were excluded from the inaugural world Test championship as the ICC unveiled its Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2018-2023 period that will also include a 13-team ODI league.
The nine top-ranked sides will participate in the inaugural edition of the world Test championship which will run from 2019 to 2021. That means there is no place for Afghanistan and Ireland in the championship. However, the two teams will still get to play Test cricket outside the championship. In fact, the two teams will play 12 Tests each between 2019 and 2022.
The five-match Ashes Test series continues under the new championship cycle with Australia set to tour England in 2019 while the return series will be played in 2021-22.
The ODI league will form the qualification pathway for the World Cup. The 13-team ODI league includes the 12 Test playing nations and World Cricket League Championship winners Netherlands.
The idea behind the latest programme is to provide context to every bilateral series.
ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said: “The agreement of this FTP means we have clarity, certainty and most importantly context around bilateral cricket over the next five years.
“Bringing context to bilateral cricket is not a new challenge, but with the release of this FTP, our members have found a genuine solution that gives fans around the world the chance to engage regularly with international cricket that has meaning and the possibility of a global title at the end.”
An additional World Twenty20 in 2021 has been added to the calendar in place of the Champions Trophy and will be held immediately before England’s next Ashes tour of Australia.
The ICC board also confirmed Twenty20 international status will be given to all 104 members.
