Explained: Why India's one-off Test against Afghanistan carries no WTC points - The Times of India

Key points

• India's captain Shubman Gill, left, and India's head coach Gautam Gambhir (AP Photo) India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh may mark the beginning of their red-ball season, but the result will have no bearing on their World Test Championship (WTC) ambitions.The match, scheduled from June 6 to June 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, sits outside the WTC 2025-27 cycle because Afghanistan are not one of the nine teams participating in the championship.
• As a result, neither points nor standings will be affected regardless of the outcome.While the contest may lack WTC significance, it remains an important fixture for India.
• The Shubman Gill-led side will use the game as an opportunity to reconnect with the demands of Test cricket after a lengthy white-ball season and ahead of a crucial stretch of championship fixtures.India currently face an uphill battle in the WTC standings after mixed results...