India's dominant performance against Afghanistan in the one-off Test in Mullanpur, where they secured a historic innings and 300-run victory, did not earn them any points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The match, which concluded on June 8, 2026, saw India completely outclass the visitors, but the ICC rules prevented India from gaining any WTC points due to Afghanistan's status as an associate member in Test cricket.
Why India Missed Out on WTC Points
According to ICC regulations, only matches between full member nations are considered for the WTC points table. Afghanistan, despite playing Test cricket since 2018, remains an associate member of the ICC. Therefore, any Test series involving Afghanistan does not count towards the WTC standings. This rule has been in place since the inception of the WTC in 2019.
India's Dominance in the Match
The Mullanpur Test was a one-sided affair from the start. India posted a massive total of 650/4 declared, with centuries from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. In response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 198 and 152, handing India an innings victory. Despite the emphatic win, India's WTC points tally remained unchanged.
Impact on WTC Standings
India currently sits at the top of the WTC points table with a high percentage of points from their matches against full member teams. However, this win over Afghanistan, while boosting their confidence, has no bearing on their qualification for the WTC final. The team will need to focus on upcoming series against full members to secure their spot in the final.
Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
Several former cricketers and analysts have questioned the ICC's rule, arguing that it undermines the significance of matches against associate members. However, the ICC has maintained that the WTC is designed exclusively for full members to ensure competitive balance.
In conclusion, while India's victory over Afghanistan was historic, it will not be reflected in the WTC standings. The team must now turn their attention to the upcoming home series against New Zealand and the tour of Australia to secure crucial points.
