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‘Far from perfect’: Test cricket’s future under review
Kieran Bingham • July 24th, 2025 10:07 am
Photo: Photosport
Scott Weenink has returned from the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore and says the state of Test cricket was front and centre.
The New Zealand Cricket CEO told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy that while the agenda covered everything from the Olympics to broadcasting, it was clear the future of the longest format is under pressure.
He confirmed that a new working group is being formed to explore the future of Test cricket and the World Test Championship.
“It was more about what a working group might look like and how that can be improved,” Weenink said.
He added that recent work done by the World Cricketers Association around scheduling will be built on, with more concrete proposals expected later this year.
The World Test Championship came under fire from former Blackcap and co-host Kyle Mills who pointed out South Africa’s most recent run didn’t include matches against India, Australia or England.
“It doesn’t seem quite fair,” Mills said - Weenink didn’t disagree.
“It’s certainly not a perfect competition, but it is increasing the interest in Test cricket,” he said.
“There’s definitely acknowledgement that it’s far from perfect."
One of the key concerns is ensuring the format doesn’t revolve around just three nations.
“People very quickly tire of just seeing those guys play each other,” Weenink added.
He explained the working group will look at how to get top teams playing others more often and how to create real stakes in every series.
Among the ideas being discussed is a two-tier competition with promotion and relegation, although it is still in the “formulating the working group” stages.
“If it’s not put in place, there'll be some strong debate around the viability.” He said.
Asked if he’d support the system even if the Blackcaps were relegated, Weenink didn’t hesitate.
“Obviously I’d be deeply unhappy, but if it’s the best thing for cricket, we would have to accept that,” he said. “We can’t be hypocrites.”
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The Blackcaps are set to play Zimbabwe in a two-Test series, though the matches will not count towards the WTC.
“Those games are seen as development,” Weenink said. “But the players are treating them like any other Test match, as they should.”
Before heading to England in October, New Zealand will also play a four-day Test against Ireland.
Weenink said the move was about supporting developing nations and followed consultation with the ECB who have done the same.
“This was a one-off request from Ireland for cost-saving reasons. I’m a five-day Test man, so just relax and tell your listeners to relax," he said with a laugh.
Closer to home, Millsy questioned the lack of a Test venue in Auckland and NZC’s investment in the US-based Major League Cricket. Weenink responded by stating that any revenue earned overseas is reinvested into the New Zealand game and agreed a proper venue in Auckland is a priority.
"We need a purpose-built ground or to do up Eden Park,” he said. “We could play Test cricket there now but ideally it would have a retractable seating arrangement to make it a proper oval.”
The decisions ahead for Test cricket won’t be easy, but Weenink knows sitting still is not an option.
Listen to the full interview below:
