Explained: Why is AFG vs NZ one-off Test not part of WTC 2023-25 cycle?

Cricketing giants Afghanistan and New Zealand are taking on each other in a historic one-off Test in Greater Noida, scheduled for September 09. Ahead of this clash, many wondered why this historic match isn't part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.

The World Test Championship, introduced by the ICC in 2019, aims to bring meaning to the bilateral Test series. However, not all Test-playing nations are included in this prestigious competition. Afghanistan, along with Ireland and Zimbabwe, find themselves on the outside looking in.

Afghanistan have played only nine Tests so far

Afghanistan's absence from the WTC comes from their relatively new status in Test cricket. Since gaining Test status in 2017, the Afghan side has played only nine Tests around different venues, with the New Zealand match being their tenth. And thus, due to lack of red-ball games scheduled in the cycle, the Greater Noida encounter isn't a part of the WTC 2023-25 cycle.

Among the nine played, the Afghans have managed to win just three Tests over Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Ireland, respectively, losing the remaining six fixtures. This limited experience and inconsistent scheduling have kept them out of the WTC framework.

Four Tours Programme (FTP) a hope for new Test nations

The ICC's approach to newer Test nations has been cautious, focusing on gradually increasing their exposure to the longest format. While this is aimed at developing these teams' skills and infrastructure, it also means they miss out on the structured competition the WTC provides.

For Afghanistan, this exclusion means missing out on crucial points and the opportunity to compete against top-tier nations regularly in the longest format of the game. However, it also allows them to focus on development without the added pressure of championship points.

New Zealand, currently third in the WTC standings, faces a different challenge. While this match won't affect their WTC position, but is a crucial preparation for their upcoming subcontinent tour, including Tests in Sri Lanka and India.

Also read: Hashmatullah Shahidi wants more Test matches for Afghanistan and dedicated home venue in India

The ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2023–27 offers hope for Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, allocating them significantly more Tests. However, the scarcity of fixtures against cricket's financial powerhouses, India, England, and Australia remains a concern.