Wisden Editor Launches Sharp Critique of ICC Governance and World Test Championship Format

Wisden editor Lawrence Booth has delivered a scathing assessment of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its flagship World Test Championship, arguing that the tournament is currently a ‘shambles masquerading as a showpiece.’ Published in Wisden’s 162nd edition, Booth’s critique extends beyond the current format, questioning the ICC’s overall governance and leadership.

The core of Booth’s criticism centers on the recent appointment of Jay Shah to the ICC chairmanship. He expressed concerns that this promotion, occurring amidst India’s reluctance to participate in matches hosted in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy (a competition now discontinued), signaled a worrying trend of prioritizing national interests over broader sporting principles. Booth described the situation as ‘communal shrug,’ suggesting a lack of accountability and a prioritization of political considerations over established protocols. He further argued that Shah’s elevation reinforced India’s existing dominance within cricket, creating what he termed “hotels on Park Lane and Mayfair,” implying an excessive focus on luxury and influence rather than equitable administration.

Booth also directly addressed the World Test Championship itself, identifying it as a flawed system due to its two-year cycle. The current format awards points based on percentage of wins, but Booth contends that the varying number of Tests played by different teams makes ranking incredibly complex, requiring constant calculations and undermining the sport’s accessibility. He proposes a radical overhaul: extending the championship to four years instead of two, incorporating all nine top-ranked Test nations in a series of home and away matches lasting at least three Tests each. This would create a more level playing field and ensure greater competitiveness, drawing parallels with the structure of football and rugby championships.

The Wisden editor’s comments come as the third edition of the World Test Championship concludes with South Africa facing Australia at Lord’s between June 11th and 15th. The article highlights a broader concern about the state of cricket governance, advocating for greater transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fair competition across all levels of the sport.