KKN Gurugram Desk | The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle has officially begun, but significant change is on the horizon. In a strategic move to rejuvenate Test cricket and accommodate emerging nations, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering sanctioning four-day Test matches—in addition to the traditional five-day format.

If approved, this shift could reshape cricket’s longest format, striking a balance between maintaining tradition and ensuring broader participant engagement.

 Why Four-Day Tests Now?

Traditional five-day Tests have long been regarded as the purest form of cricket, testing skill, temperament, and endurance. However, scheduling constraints, dwindling audience attention spans, and scarce opportunities for emerging cricket nations have created challenges.

To address these issues, the ICC is exploring a two-tier Test model:

1. Traditional five-day Tests for top Test-playing countries: India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan.

2. Four-day Tests for matches involving smaller Test nations: Zimbabwe, Ireland, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka on a rotational basis.

This proposal aims to enhance Test cricket participation while making fixtures more commercially viable and engaging.

 ICC President Jay Shah Advocates Change

During the WTC 2025–27 inauguration at Lord’s, ICC President Jay Shah reportedly signaled initial approval for four-day Test trials. In conversations with WTC stakeholders, Shah emphasized:

• Encouraging full-time participation of smaller Test nations

• Ensuring a full-results outcome in reduced time

• Structuring fixtures and points allocation for parity

Shah’s leadership could be pivotal in realizing this Test cricket evolution—unprecedented since the format’s inception.

 How Will the Two-Tier System Work?

Five-day Tests:

• Reserved for marquee series between full ICC members

• WTC points awarded under current rules

• Matches like India vs Australia, England vs Pakistan retain their format

Four-day Tests:

• Scheduled exclusively when larger teams tour Associate or smaller Full Member nations

• Matches may now be included in WTC points, provided certain criteria are met (e.g., minimum overs)

• May follow a 98 overs-per-day structure to ensure early results

This hybrid model allows for more Test cricket—with greater frequency—with reduced strain on player workloads and broadcast calendars.

 Pilot Examples Already in Action

England’s recent four-day Test vs. Zimbabwe (not part of WTC) served as a successful trial:

• Finished in three days, reaffirming that competitive results can come early

• Revealed a lack of tactical depth in bowling attacks

• Highlighted limits in pitch quality to support extended cricket

With its immediate success, this non-WTC format may now be integrated into the full championship structure.

 Overs Per Day: 98 to Fast-Track Results

Traditional Test cricket mandates 90 overs per day, but the four-day Test proposal includes 98 overs daily—higher to compensate for reduced days. Key goals include:

• Compressed sessions with fewer stoppages

• Ensuring a definitive result within four days

• Challenging teams with greater over-rates, testing stamina and strategy

This adjustment upholds traditional gameplay while speeding up action—striking a balance between progression and continuity.

What the ICC Must Consider

1. Official Rule Revision
   ICC must amend WTC playing conditions to formally include four-day matches and rework point distribution accordingly.

2. Points Allocation Scheme
   Create a fair points system—possibly weighted for five-day matches—to maintain competitive integrity.

3. Pitch and Ground Standards
   Grounds in Associate nations must meet Test-ready standards, offering equal competition.

4. Broadcast and Commercial Backing
   Clear communication to broadcasters and sponsors regarding format change, ensuring continued coverage.

5. Player Experience Balance
   England Cricket Board chief warns players need five-day exposure to hone long-format prowess—especially batsmen and spinners.

 What This Means for Emerging Nations

Countries like Zimbabwe, Ireland, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh stand to gain significantly:

• More access to Test competition, enhancing experience and development

• At-home Test series against top teams for revenue and talent exposure

• Greater public interest and media coverage, elevating local cricket markets

However, full integration depends on maintaining broad competitive standards to avoid one-sided matches.

 Reactions from the Cricket World

• Indian Sports Analysts: Some applaud this as a way to globalize Test appeal; others caution that fanciful scheduling might dilute the format.

• Top-tier Board Reps: Australia, England, India support innovation—emphasizing the need to maintain quality.

• Players’ Union Voices: Test cricket veterans like Kumble and Broad defend five-day traditions, urging a trial-based rollout.

The testimonies reveal a balanced debate—where innovation meets legacy.

 Current Status: ICC Decision Timeline

• Late June 2025: ICC to hold formal board meeting on four-day Tests

• July 2025: Draft of updated WTC rules to be circulated

• August 2025: Trial series announced under the new two-tier system

• Mid-2026: Official monitoring of format transition and WTC impact

Top-level confirmation is expected within the next ICC AGM session.

The ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle marks a transformative moment. By potentially embracing a two-tier testing model, the ICC seeks to revitalize the format—making it more inclusive, economically viable, and appealing to both traditional fans and modern audiences.

If fully endorsed, four-day Tests could become a permanent feature of the Test calendar when involving smaller nations—while main rivalries retain five-day matches. This hybrid approach could yield several benefits:

• Expanded global reach with more Test series

• Efficient use of time and resources

• A fresh path for emerging teams to gain experience

• More decisive results via accelerated over rates

The cricket fraternity now awaits the ICC’s official green light. If successful, the revised Test landscape could redefine how we perceive and enjoy Test cricket in the 21st century—preserving its prestige while ensuring its future.