Why will the points of India-Afghanistan Test match not be counted in WTC? Know the reason behind this

By Sandy Verma On Jun 6, 2026

The only Test match to be played in Mullanpur between India and Afghanistan will not be part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Let us know the reason behind this.

IND vs AFG Test not part of WTC: The only Test match between India and Afghanistan will be played in Mullanpur from June 6. Both the teams have completed their preparations for this match and the fans are also eagerly waiting for this match. However, one question that is constantly being discussed about this match is why this match is not a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

After the beginning of the World Test Championship in the year 2019, most of the Test matches are played under this tournament. But this Test match between India and Afghanistan will not be counted in the WTC points table. This clearly means that the result of this match will not have any impact on the ranking of the World Test Championship.

IND vs AFG: Afghanistan is not included in the World Test Championship

ICC has currently included only nine teams in the World Test Championship. Even though Afghanistan got Test playing status in 2017, it has not yet become a part of the WTC. The biggest reason for this is the team’s limited test schedule. Afghanistan does not play as many Test matches in a year as a regular WTC team has to play. This is the reason why apart from Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland are also out of this championship.

When IND last met AFG, it was more than just a Test match! ♥️
Swipe through the moments that made the IND vs AFG only Test in 2018 so memorable. 👀👉#INDvAFG Only Test 👉 Starts Sat, 6 June, 8:30 AM pic.twitter.com/dXqOgImIhT
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 5, 2026

IND vs AFG: Due to it being a test match, the match is out

According to the rules of the World Test Championship, there should be at least two matches in any bilateral Test series, so that its points can be included in the WTC. Only one test match is being played between India and Afghanistan. In such a situation, this match is not considered a part of the WTC cycle and no team will get points due to its result.

IND vs AFG: No impact on WTC, but ranking will be affected

Even though the points of this match will not be added to the World Test Championship, the individual performance of the players will definitely have an impact on the ICC rankings. The ratings of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders will be updated based on the performance of this match. In such a situation, this match is going to be very important for the players in terms of personal achievements and improving ranking.

IND vs AFG: India and Afghanistan will face each other for the second time

The teams of India and Afghanistan will face each other for the second time in Test cricket. Before this, the only test match was played between the two countries, in which the Indian team won. After getting Test status, Afghanistan has played only a limited number of matches so far, but the team is continuously gaining experience. Now it will be interesting to see how both the teams perform in this match to be held in Mullanpur.