The World Test Championship (WTC) could be expanded to 12 teams in the near future, with Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg indicating that discussions over changes to the competition format are progressing.
Greenberg said the proposed changes could be introduced for the 2029–31 WTC cycle to give all Test-playing nations an opportunity to participate. Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan could potentially be included under the expanded model.
The current World Test Championship, launched in 2019, features nine teams competing through a two-year cycle in which each side plays six Test series.
Under the proposed format, single-Test series could also be included in the championship, with the final decision expected at an upcoming ICC meeting.
Greenberg also warned that Test cricket could face increasing financial challenges in the long term, as maintaining red-ball cricket structures is becoming increasingly expensive for several cricketing nations.
He suggested that some countries may eventually have to reduce the number of Test series they host at home while playing more matches overseas to make the format financially sustainable.
Cricket Australia is also interested in playing a five-Test series against South Africa, although the crowded international calendar makes such an arrangement difficult.
Pakistan is another team Australia considers a potential opponent for a longer Test series in the future.
Meanwhile, discussions are also taking place at the ICC level on new tournaments and formats aimed at giving ODI cricket greater relevance in the international calendar.