Days after South Africa clinched their first ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title by defeating Australia in a thrilling final at Lord's, former South African captain AB de Villiers has voiced concerns regarding the format of the tournament, echoing the sentiment that adjustments are needed to ensure fairness and consistency for all participating nations. The Proteas' victory, a historic moment ending a 27-year drought for a major ICC trophy, was celebrated globally, but de Villiers' remarks have sparked discussions about the WTC's structure and scheduling.
De Villiers suggested a move towards a four-year cycle, similar to the ODI World Cup, instead of the current two-year cycle. Speaking on the BBC World Service's Stumped podcast, he argued that a longer cycle would provide organizers with more time to create a well-balanced system, allowing teams to play against each other more equitably before reaching the final. He emphasized the importance of entering the final with the feeling of having competed against all nations.
One of the primary issues de Villiers highlighted was the disparity in the number of matches played by different teams. In the recent 2023-2025 WTC cycle, South Africa played only 12 matches, the joint fewest among the nine teams, while England played 22. Furthermore, the Proteas had limited home Tests and did not have a series against major teams like Australia and England, which some argue put them at a disadvantage or, conversely, made their road to the final easier.
De Villiers acknowledged that the schedule for the next WTC cycle shows some improvement. However, he stressed that more work is necessary to achieve consistency and fairness for all Test-playing nations. He pointed out that South Africa is scheduled to play only four Tests in the next 16 months, including two against Zimbabwe that won't count toward the WTC, and a series against India in November 2025. Their next home Test series isn't until October 2026.
The absence of a true round-robin format, where each team faces every other team, remains a significant structural issue. Political tensions and financial dynamics often dictate which teams play each other, leading to unequal opportunities. For instance, India and Pakistan have not played a Test against each other in nearly two decades due to political reasons.
Despite these concerns, de Villiers is confident that South Africa's WTC triumph will instill a winning mentality within the squad. He believes the victory will encourage the team to believe in their ability to win more often. This win is particularly significant for South Africa, a team that has often been labelled as "chokers" due to their history of near misses in major tournaments. The WTC mace is not just a trophy; it is an antidote to years of disappointment.
De Villiers' call for reform highlights the ongoing debate about the WTC's structure and its impact on the fairness and competitiveness of Test cricket. While South Africa celebrates their historic win, his insights serve as a reminder that continuous improvement is necessary to ensure the WTC remains a relevant and equitable platform for all Test-playing nations.
