Bonus Point System From Next World Test Championship Cycle? ICC Discussing New Rule To Reward Big Victories

Bonus Point System From Next World Test Championship Cycle? ICC Discussing New Rule To Reward Big Victories

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 20, 2025, 14:18 IST

The ICC is mulling over implementing bonus point rule for the next World Test Championship Cycle set to kickstart in June this year.

Win against top-ranked teams could result in extra point. (PTI Photo)

With three months to go before the next World Test Championship cycle kicks off, the ICC is reportedly mulling over introducing a bonus point system to reward teams for victories by big margins and away wins.

As per the current WTC points system, a victory results in 12 points, tie results in six points and four for a draw. Irrespective of whether it’s a one-run win or an innings win, the winning team gets 12 points.

related stories

However, this could change from the next cycle which will get underway with India’s England tour comprising five Tests in June-August this year.

“In fact, issues such as giving bonus points for innings wins etc has been in continuous discussion from the beginning of the WTC, as many teams felt that due weight is not getting for wins against big teams," news agency PTI quoted a source close to the developments as saying.

“So, such topics have been a part of discussions, and this could again come up for deliberations," the source added.

The ICC is set to meet in April and if the new system is accepted, a team can claim bonus point for landslide win, and extra point could be given to victories over frontline teams such as India, Australia and England – as per their Test rankings.

“Yeah, it’s a good move if it really happens. The teams will be more motivated to go for results, as we could see some exciting games," a former India player was quoted as saying by PTI.

Additionally, for away wins, extra points could be awarded.

“Yeah, it will be a motivating factor for, you know, those ‘smaller’ teams, Look, when New Zealand beat India last year, it was a historic win for them as not many teams came here and beat us. But they did not got any extra points for it," he said.

“While winning away from home in itself can act as a motivating factor, now the teams will have that carrot in front of them — extra points, if it really happens," he added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

During the board meeting, the cricket’s global governing body may also discuss the two-tier Test system.

“It needs a lot of discussion before putting into practice as some teams might feel deprived of regular chances to play against strong teams like India or Australia. As it is, series between India and New Zealand or Australia and West Indies are less in numbers compared to series between top teams in a WTC cycle. So, they should think about it a lot before implementing," the player added.

First Published: March 20, 2025, 14:18 IST

Click here to read article