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Why India vs Afghanistan Test Match is Not Part of WTC?: The one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan (Afghanistan tour of India 2026) is set to begin on June 6. Preparations for the match, to be held in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, are complete. However, fans have a major question regarding this match: why is it not being played as part of the World Test Championship (WTC)?
Since 2019, most Test matches played globally have been part of the WTC, yet this particular match falls outside its scope. This means the outcome of the match will have no impact on the ICC World Test Championship points table. Let us look at the key reasons behind this.
Why IND vs AFG Test is Not Part of WTC?
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It is worth noting that while Afghanistan was granted Test nation status back in 2017, the ICC has not yet included the team among the top nine nations that participate in the WTC cycle.
The primary reason for this is that the Afghanistan team does not play the volume of Test matches expected of a Full Member nation. Apart from Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland are also currently not part of the WTC. However, there is speculation that these teams could be included in the next WTC cycle commencing after 2027.
Also Read: Who Will Replace Surya in T20Is?, Rajat Patidar Enters the Race
ICC WTC Rules: The Minimum Match Requirement
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There is another crucial technical rule regarding participation in the World Test Championship. According to WTC regulations, a series between two nations must consist of at least two Test matches for points to be awarded under the championship. Since only a single Test match is being played between India and Afghanistan, it technically falls outside the ambit of the WTC. This is just a bilateral match.
Will it Affect ICC Player Rankings?
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Even though the result of this match may not impact India or Afghanistan's WTC standings, the players have a significant opportunity. The performances of players from both teams in this series will directly influence the ICC Rankings. Post-match, the players' ICC ratings will change, potentially leading to major shifts in the rankings of top players.
Also Read: IND vs AFG Only Test: Date, Time, Pitch Report, and Playing 11
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