ICC suggests minimum three-Test series, more day-night Tests in World Test Championship

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is making plans to incorporate some major changes to promote more Tests and ODIs for cricket enthusiasts. The global cricket-governing body is now pondering having a minimum of three Test matches in every series which is a part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The ICC's cricket committee has also suggested the use of two balls within the first 25 overs only in an ODI game.

It is being understood that these new proposals have been decided in Dubai when the apex body gathered for its meetings. Also, the ICC is also keen on asking host nations to play more Day and Night Test matches in the next cycle to allow more spectators to come to the stadiums and enjoy the longest format of the game.

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The Day and Night Tests gained popularity from their early goings in international cricket but in recent years, such contests have been few and far between. This year, fans have witnessed only one such clash and it was between the West Indies and Australia in Brisbane. In fact, this was the first Day and Night Test in almost a year.

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The ICC isn’t happy with countries who generally decide to play just two Tests in a series. They believe that this has adversely impacted the viewership and contributed to the decline in the popularity of the traditional format. The lesser cricket owing to the two-match series has not been taken well by the ICC.

“Some countries like South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka mostly play just two Test series. Only India, England and Australia play long Test series. That doesn’t help in promoting Test cricket and the point distribution becomes very unfair. The recommendations are targeted at wiping out such disparities,” an ICC source told The Times of India.

“The ICC committee feels the pink-ball Tests have brought more people into the stadiums. Recently, one saw very poor turnouts in Pakistan. The three pink-ball Tests in India sold more tickets than usual. Test-playing nations must be encouraged to schedule more pink-ball Tests,” the source said.

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Meanwhile, the ICC has also suggested tweaks in ODI cricket. The global body believes that the usage of two balls in ODIs acts as a huge disadvantage for the bowlers. Since the balls remain hard in the death overs, it makes the job of the big hitters easier.

As a result, the ICC is likely to introduce a new mandate where only two balls will be allowed to be used within the first 25 overs. After this, only one ball will be used for the rest of the innings.

“The recommendation will be sent to the captains. A consensus must be achieved on this. But this looks the best option to bring reverse swing and finger spinners back into the game,” the source added.