ICC Ready to Back WTC Four-Day Tests in Boost for Smaller Nations

In a move that may change the way Test cricket is played in coming years, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly preparing to support four-day Test matches for smaller cricketing nations during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027–29 cycle. While this decision has stirred up mixed reactions across the cricketing world, it is seen as a strategic effort to make the longest format more accessible and financially viable for developing teams.

Interestingly, top cricketing nations like India, Australia, and England will continue to play traditional five-day Tests, reflecting a split approach that caters to the needs and capabilities of different cricketing boards.

Why the ICC is Considering Four-Day Tests Now

The ICC’s reported decision to back four-day Test matches isn’t completely new. Discussions on reducing Test matches from five to four days have been floating around for years, but this is the first time it may become a structured part of the WTC framework.

Financial and Scheduling Reasons

Smaller boards like Zimbabwe, Ireland, Afghanistan, and even some West Indies territories have often struggled to host full five-day Test matches due to high costs, limited crowds, and logistical constraints. By introducing four-day Tests, the ICC aims to:

• Reduce costs related to stadium operations, security, and accommodation
• Make scheduling easier, especially with packed international calendars
• Encourage more Tests between smaller teams, helping them stay active in the WTC

In short, it’s about keeping the Test format alive for smaller teams that otherwise lean heavily on T20s and ODIs.

India, Australia, and England to Retain Five-Day Format

While the ICC is reportedly open to experimenting with four-day Tests for some nations, the Big Three—India, Australia, and England—will continue to play traditional five-day matches.

This makes sense for multiple reasons:

Massive Fan Base and Broadcast Revenue

These three nations generate the bulk of revenue in world cricket. Their five-day Test matches attract millions of viewers, with broadcasters and sponsors heavily invested in the traditional format.

Strong Domestic Infrastructure

All three countries have strong first-class cricket systems and dedicated fan bases who love the strategy and pace of a full five-day game.

Prestige of Test Cricket

For nations like India and England, Test cricket is still considered the purest form of the game, and five-day Tests are viewed as a symbol of cricketing excellence and endurance.

When Could Four-Day Tests Start?

According to sources close to the ICC, the four-day Test model may be introduced as early as the WTC 2027–29 cycle. That means:

• Between 2027 and 2029, we could see official four-day Tests between Tier 2 nations
• These Tests would still count towards WTC points, making them meaningful matches
• However, the exact format and rules are yet to be finalised

This new approach could revamp how we think about WTC qualification, giving smaller teams a more level playing field.

How Will the Format Be Different?

Four-day Tests are not the same as five-day matches simply with one day cut out. Several key rule changes are being discussed to make sure the games are still competitive and result-oriented.

Rule Changes Being Considered

• Minimum 98 overs per day instead of 90, to ensure more play in less time
• Shorter breaks and tighter over-rates
• Earlier start times to allow for maximum use of daylight
• Extra incentives for wins to encourage attacking cricket

These changes are meant to keep matches exciting and prevent frequent draws.

What It Means for Smaller Nations

For teams like Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan, this could be a golden opportunity. These countries often struggle to play more than one or two Tests a year. But if four-day Tests become the norm for them:

• They can play more WTC matches within a limited budget
• Get increased exposure and gain valuable experience
• Have greater chances of pulling off upsets, as shorter matches tend to be more unpredictable

It also opens doors for neutral venue Tests, especially in places like UAE, which are more feasible for four days than five.

Critics Raise Concerns About the Move

While many welcome the idea for the sake of inclusivity, not everyone is happy.

Purists Fear for Test Cricket’s Soul

Traditionalists believe that cutting a day off ruins the art of Test cricket. Five-day matches allow for:

• Momentum shifts
• Strategic declarations
• Comebacks on Day 4 or 5
• True tests of stamina and mental toughness

Four-day games might lead to rushed results, more draws, or less satisfying finishes.

Risk of “Two-Tier” Test Cricket

There’s also concern about creating a visible divide between elite and smaller teams, which could hurt cricket’s unity. If only smaller nations play four-day games, it could make them look less important—even if that’s not the intention.

Can Four-Day Tests Actually Help Grow the Game?

What’s not often discussed in mainstream coverage is how this change could influence young cricketers in emerging nations.

Let’s say a young player from Namibia or USA dreams of Test cricket. But if his country can’t afford to host five-day games, that dream feels far away. With four-day Tests:

• Countries can play more games, more often
• Players can develop their red-ball skills
• Boards can invest in Test development, knowing it’s affordable

This may actually increase the global player base for red-ball cricket, which is shrinking under the pressure of franchise T20 leagues.

A Balanced Way Forward

The ICC’s move to allow four-day Test matches for smaller nations in the WTC 2027–29 cycle could be a clever compromise—preserving the purity of five-day Tests for big teams, while giving others a chance to stay in the game.

Sure, it might not please everyone. But if done with care and fairness, it can strengthen global Test cricket, make the WTC more inclusive, and keep the red-ball dream alive in countries where it’s slowly fading.

Whether it turns out to be a success or not will depend on how it’s implemented—but one thing is clear: Test cricket is evolving, and we’re witnessing history in the making.