ICC okays major change in Test cricket format

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its willingness to reduce Test matches to 4 days instead of 5, according to British media reports.

The ICC has expressed its willingness to accept the unique proposal to reduce Test matches to 4 days instead of 5, but the new change will not apply to India, England, and Australia, as per the reports.

According to the report, it is proposed to reduce Test matches to 4 days in the 2027-29 cycle of the World Test Championship. After approval, the new change will be implemented in 2027.

Small Test-playing countries, including Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, will play 4-day Tests, while Australia, India, and England will still be able to play 5-day Test matches.

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced major changes to the laws governing One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches, with the new regulations coming into effect later this month.

From July 2, the long-standing two-ball rule in ODIs will be amended. Under the revised rules, two new balls will now be used only until the end of the 34th over. From the 35th over, one ball will be used for the remainder of the innings – effectively ending the use of two new balls in all 50 overs, a policy in place since 2011.

In addition to the changes to ODIs, the ICC also approved a rule for Test matches — which will come into effect from June 17 — under which teams must name concussion replacement players before the start of each match.

These replacements must be nominated by playing a role, which could include a batsman, fast bowler, spinner, or wicketkeeper, and are allowed to replace a concussed player under the ICC’s concussion protocol.