The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 will be the fourth edition of the prestigious tournament. Organized by the ICC, this tournament will see the top nine teams battle it out over two years, all aiming for a spot in the WTC Finals 2027.
This global championship aims to enhance the significance of Test cricket by introducing a structured competition among the top cricketing nations.
Similar to the previous WTC editions, you can expect a thrilling Test series, legendary performances, and intense rivalries like India vs Australia, England vs India, and the Ashes.
As the cricket world prepares for this new cycle, let’s take a closer look at the full schedule, key matches, and what to expect from this high-stakes tournament.
WTC 2025-27 Format
The World Test Championship 2025-2027 Schedule will feature a total of 27 series and 71 matches during the league stage.
Each participating team will play six bilateral Test series – three at home and three away. The top two teams based on the points system will qualify for the last match.
Points System
The schedule of the coming WTC edition follows the same points system as the previous edition:
| Match Result | Points Earned | Points Contested | Percentage of Points Won |
| Win | 12 | 12 | 100% |
| Tie | 6 | 12 | 50% |
| Draw | 4 | 12 | 33.33% |
| Loss | 0 | 12 | 0% |
Each series will have between 2 to 5 matches, with points allocated accordingly:
| Matches in Series | Total Points Available |
| 2 | 24 |
| 3 | 36 |
| 4 | 48 |
| 5 | 60 |
Participating Teams & Captains
The WTC Schedule 2025-27 will see nine full-member ICC nations competing:
| Teams | Captains |
| Australia | Pat Cummins |
| Bangladesh | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| England | Ben Stokes |
| India | Shubman Gill |
| New Zealand | Mitchell Santner |
| Pakistan | Shan Masood |
| South Africa | Temba Bavuma |
| Sri Lanka | Dhananjaya de Silva |
| West Indies | Rostan Chase |
Teams not participating: Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe.
WTC 2025 to 2027 Schedule
The WTC schedule 2025 will officially kick off after the conclusion of the WTC 2025 grand finale, with teams beginning their respective bilateral series. The schedule will include both home and away matches, which will make the competition exciting in different conditions.
Let’s see how the complete schedule looks like:
WTC 2025 Season
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 2 Matches
The battle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has grown in significance over the years. This two-match series will be crucial for their standings in the WTC cycle.
Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions will be a challenge for Bangladesh. But they have shown resilience in subcontinent conditions, which makes this an exciting clash.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 17-21 Jun 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Galle | 9:30 AM |
| 25-29 Jun 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Columbo | 3:30 PM |
Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy (England vs India) – 5 Matches
One of the most highly anticipated Test series, the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, will see India touring England for a five-match Test series.
This series will test India’s adaptability to English conditions, particularly against the swinging Dukes ball. England, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their dominance at home.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 20-24 Jun 2025 | England vs India | Headingley, Leeds | 3:30 PM |
| 2-6 Jul 2025 | England vs India | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3:30 PM |
| 10-14 Jul 2025 | England vs India | Lord’s, London | 3:30 PM |
| 23-27 Jul 2025 | England vs India | Old Trafford, Manchester | 3:30 PM |
| 31 Jul – 4 Aug 2025 | England vs India | The Oval, London | 3:30 PM |
Frank Worrell Trophy (West Indies vs Australia) – 3 Matches
The Frank Worrell Trophy is one of the most prestigious Test series in cricket. In three-match Test series, Australia will face the challenge of playing in spin-friendly and slow-paced pitches.
The West Indies, under the captaincy of Rostan Chase, are eager to regain their past glory in Test cricket. The Caribbeans will look to challenge the strong Australian team.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 25-29 Jun 2025 | West Indies vs Australia | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown | 7:30 PM |
| 3-7 Jul 2025 | West Indies vs Australia | Grenada National Cricket Stadium, St. George’s | 7:30 PM |
| 12-16 Jul 2025 | West Indies vs Australia | Sabina Park, Kingston | 12:00 AM |
Pakistan vs South Africa – 2 Matches
Pakistan and South Africa will face off in a two-match Test series in October 2025. Pakistan’s spin-friendly, flat tracks and unpredictable conditions will challenge South Africa, who will rely on their strong spin attack to counter Pakistan’s batting strength.
With both teams aiming to secure crucial WTC points, this series promises an exciting battle between skillful batters and lethal fast bowlers.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Oct 2025 | Pakistan vs South Africa | TBC |
| Oct 2025 | Pakistan vs South Africa | TBC |
India vs West Indies – 2 Matches
The clash between India and West Indies has always been an exciting Test contest. This two-match series is important for both teams as they fight for a better spot in the WTC rankings.
With India’s world-class batting lineup and West Indies’ new bowling attack, the series is expected to deliver thrilling moments for fans.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 2-6 Oct 2025 | India vs West Indies | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 9:30 AM |
| 10-14 Oct 2025 | India vs West Indies | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 9:30 AM |
Freedom Trophy (India vs South Africa) – 2 Matches
The Freedom Trophy, named after Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, represents the strong bond between India and South Africa.
This two-match Test series is important for the WTC cycle, as both teams are tough to beat at home. India will rely on their spinners, while South Africa’s fast bowlers will test India’s batting.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 14-18 Nov 2025 | India vs South Africa | Arun Jaitley Stadium | 9:30 AM |
| Nov 2025 | India vs South Africa | Guwahati | 9:30 AM |
The Ashes Series (Australia vs England) – 5 Matches
The Ashes, one of Test cricket’s biggest rivalries, is back with an exciting five-match series between Australia and England. Both teams are strong at home, with England looking to win back the Ashes and Australia aiming to stay on top.
A special day-night Test in Brisbane adds to the excitement. With passionate fans, legendary stadiums, and intense battles, this series will be a key highlight of the WTC cycle.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 21-25 Nov 2025 | Australia vs England | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| 4-8 Dec 2025 (D/N) | Australia vs England | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| 17-21 Dec 2025 | Australia vs England | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| 26-30 Dec 2025 | Australia vs England | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| 4-8 Jan 2026 | Australia vs England | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
New Zealand v West Indies – 3 Matches
The three-match series will see New Zealand’s pacers take advantage of the seam-friendly conditions, while West Indies will rely on their aggressive approach to counter the Black Caps.
With matches set to be played in beautiful Kiwi venues, as a fan, you can expect a captivating contest between bat and ball.
| Month/Year | Match | Venue |
| Nov 2025 | New Zealand vs West Indies | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Dec 2025 | New Zealand vs West Indies | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Dec 2025 | New Zealand vs West Indies | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
WTC 2026 Season
Bangladesh v Pakistan – 2 Matches
Bangladesh and Pakistan will face off in a two-match Test series in March 2026 as part of the WTC cycle. Bangladesh, led by Nazmul Shanto will try to challenge Pakistan’s batting lineup.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s pace attack will look to dominate on subcontinental pitches. With both teams eager to gain crucial WTC points, this series is expected to be a competitive battle.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Mar 2026 | India vs South Africa | TBC |
| Mar 2026 | India vs South Africa | TBC |
Crowe – Thorpe Trophy (England vs New Zealand) – 3 Matches
The Crowe – Thorpe Trophy, named in honor of cricketing legends Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe, will witness a three-match Test series between England and New Zealand.
England will aim to dominate at home, using their seam-friendly pitches, while New Zealand’s pace attack will try to counter England’s batting strength.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jun 2026 | England vs New Zealand | TBC |
| Jun 2026 | England vs New Zealand | TBC |
| Jun 2026 | England vs New Zealand | TBC |
Sri Lanka v West Indies – 2 Matches
The Sri Lanka vs West Indies series will surely be an exciting contest with contrasting styles. Sri Lanka’s spin attack, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will look to take advantage of home conditions.
And the West Indies, too, have some good spinners who can turn the tides in favor of their side. The two-match Test series will be crucial for both sides in their quest for WTC points.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jun 2026 | Sri Lanka v West Indies | TBC |
| Jun 2026 | Sri Lanka v West Indies | TBC |
Pakistan v West Indies – 2 Matches
Pakistan will face West Indies in a two-match Test series between July and August 2026. With Pakistan’s strong home record and West Indies’ unpredictable style, fans can expect exciting cricket.
West Indies will have to tackle Pakistan’s strong bowling attack, including Sajid Khan and Nomal Ali, while Pakistan’s batters will face a tough challenge against the Caribbean pacers.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jul 2026 | Pakistan v West Indies | TBC |
| Aug 2026 | Pakistan v West Indies | TBC |
Sri Lanka vs India – 2 Matches
India will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August 2026, as part of the WTC cycle. Historically, Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches have posed challenges for visiting teams.
But this time, India will have a strong batting lineup and world-class spinners, which can help them win the series easily.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Aug 2026 | Sri Lanka vs India | TBC |
| Aug 2026 | Sri Lanka vs India | TBC |
England vs Pakistan – 3 Matches
England will host Pakistan in a thrilling three-match Test series. Pakistan’s pacers have done well in English conditions before, but they will face a tough challenge against England’s strong batting and home advantage.
With important WTC points at stake, fans can expect an exciting contest of skill and strategy.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Aug 2026 | England vs Pakistan | TBC |
| Sep 2026 | England vs Pakistan | TBC |
| Sep 2026 | England vs Pakistan | TBC |
South Africa vs Australia – 3 Matches
South Africa and Australia, two top Test teams, will face off in an exciting three-match series. South Africa’s pace-friendly pitches will test Australia’s batters.
Aussie fast bowlers will look to dominate on bouncy tracks. With a history of intense battles, from the sand paper incident to Warner and de Kock fight, this series promises another thrilling contest.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Sep 2026 | South Africa vs Australia | TBC |
| Oct 2026 | South Africa vs Australia | TBC |
| Oct 2026 | South Africa vs Australia | TBC |
Bangladesh vs West Indies – 2 Matches
Bangladesh and West Indies will meet in a two-match Test series in October 2026. With Bangladesh’s spinners likely to play a major role at home, West Indies’ batters will need to find ways to counter them.
On the other hand, the visitors will rely on their pace attack to test Bangladesh’s batting lineup. With crucial WTC points at stake, both teams will be determined to secure a series win.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Oct 2026 | Bangladesh vs West Indies | TBC |
| Oct 2026 | Bangladesh vs West Indies | TBC |
New Zealand vs India – 2 Matches
New Zealand will host India in a two-match Test series, a highly anticipated contest given India’s historical struggles in Kiwi conditions.
New Zealand’s swing-friendly pitches will test India’s batters, while India’s pace attack will look to challenge the home side’s batting lineup. The matches are scheduled at Bay Oval and Basin Reserve, and the series is set to provide thrilling action between two of the world’s top teams.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Oct 2026 | New Zealand vs India | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
| Nov 2026 | New Zealand vs India | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
South Africa vs Bangladesh – 2 Matches
South Africa will host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in November 2026. The Proteas will use their strong fast bowlers to challenge Bangladesh’s batters on pace-friendly pitches.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will depend on their spinners to trouble South Africa’s batters. This series will be a big test for Bangladesh as they try to improve their record in South Africa.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Nov 2026 | South Africa vs Bangladesh | TBA |
| Nov 2026 | South Africa vs Bangladesh | TBA |
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – 2 Matches
Sri Lanka and Pakistan will face off in a two-match Test series, where spin will take on pace. Sri Lanka will depend on their spinners to challenge Pakistan’s batters on turning wickets.
And, Pakistan’s fast bowlers will use reverse swing to trouble the hosts. It will be an important series for both teams, and it is expected to be a close contest.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Nov 2026 | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | TBA |
| Nov 2026 | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | TBA |
Trans–Tasman Trophy (Australia vs New Zealand) – 4 Matches
In this cycle, Australia and New Zealand are set to clash again. This four-match series is important for the World Test Championship, with both teams having top-quality fast bowlers who can perform well in both home and away conditions.
Australia’s attacking batters will have to handle New Zealand’s tight and disciplined bowling, while New Zealand’s batters will face a tough challenge against Australia’s fiery pace attack.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Dec 2026 | Australia vs New Zealand | TBA |
| Dec 2026 | Australia vs New Zealand | TBA |
| Dec 2026 | Australia vs New Zealand | TBA |
| Dec 2026 | Australia vs New Zealand | TBA |
South Africa vs England – 3 Matches
South Africa and England are set to face off in a three-match Test series, continuing their historic cricket rivalry. South Africa’s fast and bouncy pitches will test England’s batting, especially against Kagiso Rabada and company.
At the same time, England’s new fast bowlers will also enjoy these conditions. With both teams aiming for success in the World Test Championship, this series promises to be thrilling.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Dec 2026 | South Africa vs England | TBA |
| Dec 2026 | South Africa vs England | TBA |
| Dec 2026 | South Africa vs England | TBA |
WTC 2027 Season
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – 2 Matches
New Zealand will visit Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in January 2027. This series will be an exciting battle between New Zealand’s swing bowlers and Sri Lanka’s spinners.
The conditions at Hagley Oval and Sky Stadium will test both teams. But both are quality sides and know how to play well against strong opponents, which makes this a thrilling contest.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jan 2027 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Jan 2027 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
BGT (India vs Australia) – 5 Matches
One of the most intense rivalries in Test cricket, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, returns in January-February 2027. Defending champions Australia will tour India in a five-match series that promises to deliver high-intensity battles.
India’s spin-friendly conditions will test the Aussies, while Australia’s aggressive batting lineup will challenge India’s world-class bowling attack. In the last BGT, Australia defeated India by 3-1.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Jan 2027 | India vs Australia | TBC |
| Jan 2027 | India vs Australia | TBC |
| Feb 2027 | India vs Australia | TBC |
| Feb 2027 | India vs Australia | TBC |
| Feb 2027 | India vs Australia | TBC |
Bangladesh vs England – 2 Matches
In February 2027, England will face a tough test in Bangladesh. The slow, spinning pitches will give Bangladesh’s spinners a big advantage, so England’s batters must adjust quickly to handle the challenge.
At the same time, Bangladesh’s batters will have to deal with England’s skilled fast bowlers, who will try to use reverse swing on the dry pitches. This series will be important for both teams in the World Test Championship.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Feb 2027 | Bangladesh vs England | TBA |
| Feb 2027 | Bangladesh vs England | TBA |
Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 2 Matches
The contrasting playing styles of both Sri Lanka and South Africa will make this series an exciting clash. With Lanka’s spinners set to test Protea’s batting lineup.
Meanwhile, the SA’s pace attack will look to extract bounce and movement even in spin-friendly conditions. This series could prove decisive for both teams in their WTC journey.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Feb 2027 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa | TBA |
| Mar 2027 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa | TBA |
Australia vs Bangladesh – 2 Matches
Australia will host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in March 2027, offering the visitors a tough challenge on pace-friendly tracks. Bangladesh is improving their batting approach day by day.
However, facing Australia’s lethal pace attack in home conditions will be a massive test. The series is expected to have a battle of resilience versus aggression.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Mar 2027 | Australia vs Bangladesh | TBA |
| Mar 2027 | Australia vs Bangladesh | TBA |
New Zealand vs Pakistan – 2 Matches
In the last series of this cycle, New Zealand will take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series in March 2027. Pakistan’s fast bowlers will look to exploit the seaming conditions in New Zealand.
The Kiwis’ disciplined batting and swing bowling will present a tough challenge for the visitors. This series promises to be a battle of skill and adaptability.
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Mar 2027 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | TBA |
| Mar 2027 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | TBA |
WTC Finals 2027: Venue and Date
The final of the next WTC cycle is expected to take place in June 2027, with Lord’s in England as the most likely venue. The ICC is yet to confirm the official details, but traditionally, the final has been hosted at Lord’s.
Previous WTC Winners:
| Edition | Winner | Runner-up | Venue |
| 2019-2021 | New Zealand | India | Lord’s |
| 2021-2023 | Australia | India | The Oval |
| 2023-2025 | TBD | TBD | Lord’s |
| 2025-2027 | TBD | TBD | Lord’s (Expected) |
India has reached two WTC Finals so far but is yet to win the championship. They will be looking to claim their first World Test Championship title in 2027.
Overall, the World Test Championship 2025 – 27 will be a must-watch for fans worldwide. With top teams like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan competing, every match in the upcoming WTC schedule will be important. Every run, wicket, and session in both home and away matches will matter in deciding who makes it to the grand finale.
Can Australia defend their dominance? Will India bounce back stronger? Or will a new team rise to glory? You’ll get all the answers in the next two years.
No matter which team you support, one thing is certain. Test cricket is here to stay, and the editions of WTC are making it more exciting than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the format of the WTC 2025 to 2027 cycle?
A. The WTC 2025 schedule will follow the same format as previous editions. Each team will play six Test series (three home, three away), with points awarded for wins, draws, and ties.
Q2. When and where will the final be held?
A. The finals of the next edition’s WTC is expected to take place in June 2027, with Lord’s in England as the most likely venue. The ICC has yet to confirm the official details.
Q3. Which teams are India playing in the WTC Schedule 2025 to 27?
A. India will play England (away), Bangladesh (home), South Africa (home), New Zealand (away), West Indies (home), and Australia (home) in their next WTC schedule.
