The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering implementing significant changes to enhance both Test and ODI formats, ensuring their continued appeal to global cricket fans. These changes, aimed at increasing the popularity of the longer formats, include a minimum of three Test matches in every series under the World Test Championship (WTC) and adjustments to ball usage in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Three-Test Series Mandate for WTC

One of the ICC’s most notable proposed changes is the introduction of a mandatory three-Test series for every bilateral contest within the WTC. The goal is to make the series more competitive and give Test cricket the boost it needs.

"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 revealed to The Times of India.

Boosting Day-Night Tests

Another critical change being considered is the encouragement of more day-night Test matches, particularly with the pink ball. While the format saw an initial surge in popularity, the number of day-night Tests has declined recently. So far, only one day-night Test has been held this year between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane.India, in particular, has shown little interest in day-night Tests, with their last pink-ball match taking place in March 2022.

“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,” a source close to the ICC committee shared.

Two-Ball Rule Change for ODIs

In ODIs, the ICC’s cricket committee has proposed a new ball regulation. Currently, two new balls are used throughout an innings, which has reduced reverse swing and limited the effectiveness of finger spinners. Under the new proposal, two balls will only be used for the first 25 overs of the innings, after which a single ball will be used for the remaining overs.

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