ICC Champions Trophy 2025: International Cricket Council harps on massive changes

In a recent development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) cricket committee has recommended changes regarding the World Test Championship (WTC). ICC has also made massive strides for changes in the ODI format before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to the latest report in the Times of India, a minimum of three Test matches should be played in every World Test Championship series.

Jay Shah is set to become the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council on December 1. Before he officially assumes the role, the International Cricket Council has started working to improve Test cricket. A committee has been formed to find ways to promote Test cricket, and they have proposed three recommendations.

Sourav Ganguly led the International Cricket Council cricket committee. Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, South Africa’s Shaun Pollock, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, the West Indies’ Roger Harper, India’s VVS Laxman, and Jay Shah, who will soon become the chairman, are also part of the committee.

Every Team Must Play a Minimum of Three Tests in a Series

The International Cricket Council has proposed that every Test series in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle should consist of a minimum of three matches. The Council believes that playing just two Tests in a series negatively affects the popularity of the format. Recommendations aim to eliminate these disparities.

“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 International Cricket Council source told The Times of India.

ICC to Promote Test Cricket with More Pink-Ball Test Matches

The committee also recommended increasing Day/Night Tests with pink balls to attract more spectators, urging the host nations to incorporate more of these fixtures in upcoming schedules to revitalize Test cricket.

“The International Cricket Council 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 said.

Cricket Committee Suggests Special Changes in ODI Cricket

The International Cricket Council is considering changes to One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to help bowlers, especially in the death overs. As per the proposal, two new balls will be used for only the first 25 overs of an ODI, after which a single ball will be used. This aims to reduce the advantage for batters in the death overs.

It comes at a massive time as the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled for February 2025.

“The recommendation 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 added.

The ICC board has extended the tenure of the ICC chair and independent director to two terms of three years each, replacing the previous two-year tenures. Jay Shah could serve for up to six years.

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