Now it seems that the International Cricket Council will stretch its introduction of the two-division format for Test cricket. The upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle will leave the current format intact, notwithstanding views expressed earlier about a split format. This is so because the ICC had been working on a system of two tiers to encourage Test matches in the sense of more competition at the upper level. In the event of bringing that proposal into operation, 12 teams would be divided into two groups. Cricket powerhouses India, Australia, and England would be facing each other twice in two five-match series under a given WTC cycle. As per The Guardian, the ICC will contemplate the solution during its Zimbabwe meetings this weekend. However, Cricket Australia's recommendation for a two-division format will not see the vote just yet. Also Read | 'You get caught playing catch-up': Hayden disagrees with Dhoni's powerplay strategy This idea germinated from the discussions in the Women’s Ashes between Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board around the earlier part of the year. If implemented, then India, Australia, and England could compete twice in every triennium instead of once every fourth year. It has been remarked in the report that WTC would most probably maintain its nine-team framework in the 2025-27 cycle, therefore barring countries like Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe from being included. This new cycle will commence in June with a five-Test series between England and India. Most of the Test-playing nations are currently against the two-tier system. They have protested about the financial distribution, the promotion, and relegation system. These unresolved issues now stand in between the official decision or agreement made on this proposal go ahead. Meanwhile, the ICC is also looking to modify the points system in the WTC. A new scheme could give bonus points based on the margin of victory, or for the wins against stronger teams, more so if the win comes in away matches. Also Read | [Watch Video] "Mera ground hai ye" - KL Rahul stamps his authority over RCB in his home Bengaluru I think it is unfair to award 12 points per match considering that top teams suffer the most. India, Australia, and England always play hard, high-intensity series, but do not get anything in terms of points advantages under this structure. For instance, South Africa sneaked into the WTC final in 2025 without having played against Australia or England. Their debate was sparked by victories over the Windies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and a draw and loss to India. Over-rate penalties are also being considered. England squandered 22 points on slow over-rates, dropping to sixth despite a third-best win percentage (51.5%) just behind Australia and South Africa. In total, six out of nine teams were given similar penalties.