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| The two captains on the Lord's balcony—Australia's Pat Cummins (right) and South Africa's Temba Bavuma |
Cricket's most prestigious Test tournament, the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, is always a hot topic. In particular, if the final match is drawn, tied, or abandoned due to rain, who will be the winner? The question arises as to who will be the winner. As per ICC rules, there are certain rules to deal with such situations.
Joint Championship Rules:
According to the playing conditions of the ICC World Test Championship Final, if the match is drawn, tied, or abandoned due to rain or any other unforeseen circumstances, then both the teams will be declared joint champions. In such a case, the coveted ICC Test Championship mace (trophy) will be shared between the two teams and the prize money will also be equally divided between the two teams.
Use of Reserve Day:
A reserve day is kept for the final match, which is mainly used to make up for lost time if the game is stopped due to rain or bad light. If any time is lost due to weather in the first five days and that time cannot be made up within five days, then only the sixth day i.e. the reserve day will be used. If the game is completed within five days or the lost time can be made up, then the reserve day will not be used.
Importantly, even if no result is obtained after using the reserve day, the championship will still be awarded jointly. Since the weather in London is unpredictable, this rule can play a very important role. Both the teams are aware of this rule and can change their strategy according to the course of the match.
Overall, although the final of the World Test Championship is a result-based match, if the result is not obtained due to nature or any other circumstances, both the teams will share the title – this is the ICC rule.
Date: June 10, 2025
Author: Kazi Fahsin
Publisher: Novokanth (Novonicle)
