ICC Plans to Introduce Four-Day Test Matches for Smaller Nations

ICC's Proposal for Four-Day Test Matches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly planning to implement four-day Test matches for less prominent cricketing nations during the 2027–2029 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This change will not affect the traditional five-day format for major series involving cricketing giants like India, England, and Australia.

As per a report from a leading news outlet, ICC Chair Jay Shah showed his support for this initiative during discussions at Lord’s during the WTC final. The goal of this proposal is to alleviate the logistical and financial challenges that smaller cricket boards encounter when hosting long-format games.

While historic rivalries such as the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly established Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will remain as five-match, five-day series, this shift could significantly alter the Test cricket landscape. The inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is scheduled to commence this Friday at Headingley, where England will face India.

The ICC had previously approved four-day Tests in 2017 for bilateral series. Since then, England has participated in such shortened formats, including a recent match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, along with earlier four-day games against Ireland in 2019 and 2023.

The report highlights that many smaller cricketing nations have been reluctant to schedule Test matches due to the extensive time commitment and financial pressures. Transitioning to four-day Tests would enable a complete three-match series to conclude in less than three weeks, making it a more practical option. To compensate for the reduced duration, four-day Tests will require a minimum of 98 overs per day, compared to the standard 90.

This issue has been underscored by South Africa’s limited Test schedule, despite their recent WTC victory over Australia at Lord’s, prompting a reassessment of how the format is structured and implemented worldwide.

For the time being, the upcoming 2025–2027 WTC cycle will continue with the traditional five-day format. This cycle will kick off with a two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting on Tuesday.

Out of the 27 Test series planned for the next WTC cycle, 17 will consist of only two matches. Only six series will feature three matches, while England, India, and Australia will each engage in a full five-Test series against one another.