To revive the traditional formats of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering significant changes in both Test and ODI cricket. As the shorter T20 format continues to dominate global cricket, recommendations have been made to enhance the appeal of Test and One-Day International (ODI) matches.
According to recent reports, the ICC Cricket Committee has suggested introducing more day-night Test matches and revising the ball usage rules in ODIs. These recommendations were proposed during a recent board meeting in Dubai, with an emphasis on creating a more balanced and competitive game.
Push for More Day-Night Test Matches
One of the key recommendations is to increase the number of day-night Test matches, especially during the home seasons of cricketing nations. The committee believes that adding more day-night Tests, often referred to as “pink-ball” matches, will attract more viewers, particularly in countries where Test cricket is struggling to maintain its audience.
Currently, Cricket Australia is the only board that regularly schedules pink-ball Test matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has hosted just a few day-night Tests, with none in the last two years. The ICC aims to change this trend by urging more nations to include day-night matches in their schedules, especially in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Another significant recommendation from the ICC committee is for every WTC series to include at least three Test matches. Countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand often play shorter series, while nations like India, Australia, and England usually compete in longer series. The imbalance in the length of series affects the distribution of WTC points, and the ICC hopes to standardize this by mandating a minimum of three matches per series.
New Ball Rules in ODIs: Bringing Back Reverse Swing
In a move that could significantly impact how ODIs are played, the ICC committee has proposed changing the ball usage rule. Currently, two new balls are used in ODI matches, but the suggestion is to revert to using one ball for the first 25 overs and another for the remaining 25 overs. This change aims to bring back reverse swing and make finger spinners more effective, thus offering a better balance between bat and ball.
Over the past decade, the two-ball system in ODIs has been criticized for making conditions too favorable for batsmen. Reverse swing, once a key part of middle-overs bowling, has diminished with two new balls. By reverting to the older ball in the latter half of the innings, bowlers, especially pacers and spinners, are expected to have a better chance at controlling the game.
Tenure Extension for ICC Chairman and Jay Shah’s New Role
Another major development involves the tenure of the ICC Chairman. The committee has recommended increasing the term of the ICC Chairman from two to three years. This change would directly benefit Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the BCCI, who is expected to take over as ICC President starting December 1.
If the recommendations are accepted, Shah could serve two terms, allowing him to remain ICC President for up to six years. This development comes as Shah enters a mandatory cooling-off period from the BCCI, as per the board’s rules.
ICC Cricket Committee Members
The ICC Cricket Committee is chaired by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and includes notable former players like Mahela Jayawardene, Shaun Pollock, VVS Laxman, Daniel Vettori, and Roger Harper. Jay Shah, soon-to-be ICC President, is also part of this committee. Their suggestions reflect a collective push to maintain the relevance of traditional cricket formats in an era dominated by T20 leagues.
