The ICC has finally approved the much talked about Test Championship and One-Day International League after months of discussion.
The Test series league will see top nine teams play six series for two year - three home and three away fixtures and will put in place after the 2019 World Cup, while the ODI league will set to put in place in 2020.
The One-Day International league will have 13 teams comprising of 12 full members and the winner of the ICC World Cricket League Championship. The teams will battle it out to earn direct qualification for the World Cup.
“This means fans around the world can enjoy international cricket knowing every game counts and in the case of the ODI league, it counts towards qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup.”
The ODI league will first have a two-year cycle ahead of the 2023 World Cup. However, it'll be changed to a three-year cycle with teams battling it out in eight series - four at home and four away series - with a maximum of three ODIs in one series.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “This is a significant point in time for ICC Members and our collective desire to secure a vibrant future for international bilateral cricket. The approval of both leagues is the conclusion of two years of work from the Members who have explored a whole range of options to bring context to every game.
“The ICC Board decision today means we can now go and finalise a playing schedule for the first edition as well as the points system, hosting arrangements and competition terms.”
The ICC also confirmed a position for an independent female director and an appointment will be made in a few weeks.