In 2019, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the concept of World Test Championship (WTC) to popularize Test cricket. It is currently in its third edition. New Zealand and Australia won the first two editions of the tournament by defeating India in the final.
While the WTC format has reignited interest in Test cricket by stopping dead rubbers in a bilateral series, many believe that the competition isn’t fair to every participating teams due to disparity in matches.
Meanwhile, the ICC cricket committee has recommended a minimum of three Tests in every World Test Championship series.
According to a TOI report, the apex body received suggestions from the former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly-led committee at the board meeting in Dubai.
“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 was quoted as saying by TOI.
The committee also wants the cricket boards to accommodate more day-night Test matches when they are drawing fixtures for the home season in the next cycle.
“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 added.
Besides Ganguly, former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, legendary South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock, New Zealand great Daniel Vettori, West Indies’ Roger Harper, and India’s VVS Laxman are part of the ICC cricket committee.
With the growing popularity of T20 leagues and T20Is, clouds are hovering over the future of ODI cricket. Many feel that the 50-over format is time-consuming and want the ICC to completely abolish it.
In order to revive ODIs, the committee has suggested to use two new balls only for the first 25 overs, and after that only one ball will be utilized.
“The recommendations 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 said.
(With TOI Inputs)
