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ICC to Permit 4-Day Tests in 2027–29 World Test Championship for Smaller Nations.

Sports | Dated: 18 Jun 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to introduce a major change to the 2027–29 World Test Championship (WTC): allowing four-day Test matches for emerging cricket nations. This shift aims to make Test cricket more feasible for smaller boards, while traditional five-day matches will remain for marquee rivalries.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Smaller cricketing nations face logistical and financial hurdles hosting five-day Tests. By reducing match duration, boards could host a three-Test series in under three weeks, increasing playing opportunities and helping spread the Test format more widely.
  • - ICC Chair Jay Shah backed the proposal during discussions at the WTC final at Lord’s, stating that the plan could be ready for the 2027–29 cycle. He emphasized that major series like the Ashes, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy will remain five-day affairs.
  • - To maintain competitive integrity, four-day Tests will have a minimum of 98 overs per day, instead of the standard 90 overs in five-day games. This ensures that shorter duration does not lower the standard of play.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The ICC previously approved four-day Tests for bilateral series in 2017, including fixtures involving Ireland, Zimbabwe, and England. But applying it to the WTC would be the first major global format change.
  • (ii) Countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand often struggle to organize longer series. The four-day format would give them more opportunities, addressing concerns voiced by South Africa over their sparse Test calendar, despite being the current WTC champions.
  • (iii) The ICC is set to finalize the proposal for four-day Test matches in time for the 2027–29 WTC cycle, while retaining five-day Tests for the 2025–27 period. This move, pending consultations with member boards and stakeholders, aims to enhance inclusivity and financial viability for smaller nations without affecting marquee five-day rivalries.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which global cricket body has recently approved the use of 4-day Test matches in the 2027–29 World Test Championship cycle?

Correct Answer: ICC

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ICC

  • President: Jay Shah
  • Headquarter : Dubai