WTC: ICC suggests Day-Night Test matches, Three-match series in World Test Championship cycle

sanjeev

khelja|22-10-2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering implementing significant changes to Tests ahead of the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
  Among these proposed changes is the idea of ensuring that every series under the WTC comprises at least three Test matches. This move is aimed at bolstering the viewership and maintaining the relevance of the longest form of the game, which has seen a decline in popularity due to shorter series. The governing body of cricket gathered in Dubai for its meetings, where these innovative proposals were discussed. In addition to these changes, the ICC expressed a keen interest in encouraging host nations to schedule more Day and Night Test matches in the upcoming cycle. This initiative is expected to attract larger crowds to stadiums, thereby enhancing the overall spectacle of Test cricket. Day and Night Tests to Draw More Spectators Day and Night Tests, which have been sporadic in recent years, are seen as a potential draw for fans. Despite their initial popularity, only one such match took place this year - a showdown between the West Indies and Australia in Brisbane, marking the first Day and Night Test in nearly a year. The ICC believes that pink-ball Tests can significantly increase stadium attendance. Notably, recent pink-ball Tests in India witnessed higher ticket sales compared to traditional matches. Three Match Test Series The ICC also wants the teams to play more three-match Test series. There are a few countries only who take part in a Test series which at least comprises of three matches. And ICC has now urged teams such as Sri Lanka, New Zealand to scrap the 2-match Test series routine. An ICC source highlighted the disparity in the number of Tests played by different countries, stating to The Times of India, "Some countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka mostly play just two-match 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." The implications are likely to be introduced in the next WTC cycle, ranging from 2025 to 2027. The current cycle sees India sit on top of the points table, closely followed by Australia. The top two teams will lock horns in the final of the current cycle, which will be played in London in June, 2025.
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