The much-debated two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) model has reportedly been scrapped after it failed to get support from the majority of the members. The next WTC cycle from 2027 is likely to feature all 12 full-member nations.

During last week's quarterly meetings in Dubai, the ICC board and Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) received recommendations from a working group headed by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose and tasked with resolving urgent concerns regarding cricket's three formats.

With nations having already begun discussions for bilateral series that will be a part of the upcoming WTC cycle (2027–29), there was a sense of urgency to it.

When the working group was established at the ICC annual conference in July, it once again addressed a two-tier system that has come up in discussions on occasion in the last few years.

However, concerns about the feasibility of implementing a funding model played a role in the two-tier model being scrapped. Although it had been suggested that Australia, England, and India could provide financial support to those in division two, those discussions were unsuccessful.

Due to the probable lack of playing opportunities against the larger nations, countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies—which are likely to occupy Division Two—were against the idea.

Another difficult topic was promotion and relegation; the big three were worried about the financial effects of relegation.

Instead, the working group has proposed a 12-team WTC, with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland becoming part of an expanded league for the next cycle, which begins in July 2027. Throughout the cycle, the teams will be expected to play a minimum number of Test matches; the precise number is still unknown.

"It guarantees that everyone is playing Test cricket. Those that really want to play the format now have opportunities, and there is an incentive for other teams to play them,” a board member told ESPNCricinfo.

Test hosting, which has been difficult for members like Ireland, is unlikely to receive any additional funding.