The ICC has promised a complete overhaul for the Test and One-day game so that cricket fans may see some action once again. Many of these changes have been proposed, but one of the most important ones is the insistence on playing at least three tests in every series that leads to the World Test Championship. Moreover, the Cricket Committee of the ICC has suggested that the side fielding should only use two balls inside the first 25 overs when playing an ODI. This will help level out the game and enhance the competitive aspects for the bowlers as well.

These proposals were mulled in the ICC meetings conducted at Dubai where the board also sought more Day and Night Test matches in the new WTC cycle. The pink-ball format, which was initially adopted by the cricket board to promote the game with its fan-friendly scheduling, has hardly been used during the last few years.

Only one Day and Night Test match was played in 2024 so far as Australia hosted the West Indies at Brisbane, which was the first such game in nearly one year. The ICC is particularly miffed because countries are choosing two-match Test series a trend they feel has adversely impacted viewership and the value of Test cricket in general.

ALSO READ: New York Emerges As Potential Venue For Cricket At The 2028 LA Olympics

“Some countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka mostly play two-Test series. Only India, England, and Australia often play longer series. This approach hurts the Cause of Test cricket and makes point distribution in WTC unfair,” an ICC source told The Times of India.

🚨 ICC CRICKET COMMITTEE SUGGESTION. 🚨

– Minimum a 3 match Test series in the WTC.

– 2 new balls to be used for 25 overs of an ODI, after that only one ball.

– Encouraging more Pink Ball Tests. pic.twitter.com/sMZXAtTtwD

— Himanshu Ladha (@HimanshuLadha8) October 22, 2024

The cricket board further clarified that the Day and Night Tests were successful in increasing the attendance of people. For instance, recently in Pakistan, the ground was not even half full; however, pink-ball tests have sold much more tickets in India than other tests. The ICC has already planned to increase the number of participating countries to revive the audience interest in its traditional format. And in the ODI format, the cricket governing body is planning a huge change.

WATCH – Pat Cummins Recalls Sachin Tendulkar’s Iconic 241 As His Most Memorable BGT Moment

This would be the biggest disadvantage of having two balls employed in an entire inning, especially in the death overs, where the balls remain hard and favour big hitters. The ICC will most probably align this rule that only two balls would be permissible within the first 25 overs. For the remaining overs, only one ball will be allowed, which may re-establish the contribution of reverse swing and finger spinners.

This recommendation will be forwarded to the team captains. The ICC will then work to establish a general agreement upon this change. “The change looks like the best way to bring balance back to ODI cricket,” added the ICC source.