Key Points

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has voiced support for potential changes in the World Test Championship's format. He believes introducing designated international cricket windows could create a more equitable competition for all teams. Williamson highlighted the challenges of current scheduling, where some nations play significantly more matches than others. His insights come ahead of the ICC cricket committee's meeting to discuss potential WTC format adjustments.

Key Points: Kane Williamson Urges WTC Reform for Fair Test Cricket

  • Kane backs ICC proposals to reform World Test Championship format
  • Calls for more consistent international cricket scheduling
  • Highlights need for balanced team opportunities
  • Praises WTC's competitive context
2 min read

Former NZ skipper Kane Williamson roots for tweaks in WTC, designated windows in international cricket

NZ cricket legend Kane Williamson advocates for balanced international cricket scheduling and World Test Championship improvements

"If you can prioritise windows where teams are playing each other consistently and somewhat evenly, then I think it just makes it the WTC a slightly more level competition - Kane Williamson"

New Delhi, April 1

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has backed calls related to the introduction of designated windows for international cricket. Williamson believes such a move could turn the World Test Championship (WTC) into a "more level competition".

According to ESPNcricinfo, the International Cricket Committee's cricket committee will consider proposals to tweak the WTC's format. The meeting will be held in Zimbabwe later this month before the 2025-27 cycle's commencement.

Williamson captained New Zealand to the WTC mace in the inaugural edition of the championship. He believes India, England and Australia playing far more games than the rest of the sides is not ideal.

"It comes back to scheduling. I love Test cricket and I'd love to see it stay and I'd love to see it be a pathway for young cricketers still, alongside the T20 format... If you can prioritise windows where teams are playing each other consistently and somewhat evenly, then I think it just makes it [the WTC] a slightly more level competition," Williamson told ESPNcricinfo.

"The context now in Test cricket has certainly increased the effort and results. We don't see draws any more, basically, in Test cricket, so every team's pushing for a result when there's something on it. For us as a country, winning the inaugural Test Championship final, it was really special and a great moment in our history," he added.

South Africa stormed into the WTC final after playing just 12 Tests in the 2023-25 cycle, the joint-fewest of any team. There were sparks of criticism about South Africa's route to the final against Australia.

"[Teams] get the cards that they are dealt and they try to make use of what's in front of them, and take those opportunities Naturally, the fact that it's different for each team is not ideal," Williamson said.

"Any time you get the opportunity to review after a two-year Test Championship window, to try and tweak it a little bit, that's fine. It's still in its infancy, really, as a competition, so you're always going to look at those things... It's tricky though: there's 12 months in a year, right? That's difficult," Williamson added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
James K.
Kane makes some great points here. The current system definitely favors the big 3 nations. Would love to see more balanced scheduling - Test cricket deserves it! 🏏
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Sarah L.
As a Kiwi cricket fan, I'll always appreciate what Kane did for our team. But I'm not sure designated windows are practical with so many T20 leagues now. The calendar is packed!
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Rahul P.
Respectfully disagree with Williamson here. More matches for India/England/Australia makes sense commercially. Test cricket needs revenue to survive, and these nations bring the crowds.
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Tanya M.
That 2021 WTC final was magical! Kane's leadership was brilliant. Hope ICC listens to his suggestions - he's one of the most thoughtful voices in cricket today.
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David W.
The South Africa situation last cycle was ridiculous. How can you reach a final playing half the matches of other teams? Kane's right - needs fixing ASAP.
A
Aisha B.
Love how Kane always speaks with such wisdom and balance. Not many players think about the bigger picture like he does. True ambassador for the game! 👏

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