ICC confirms 2025-27 WTC sticks to five-day Tests: four-day format awaits 2027

The ICC has officially decided to maintain the traditional five-day Test format for the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, reserving the new four-day Test proposal for smaller nations starting in 2027-29. This move aims to ease financial and logistical pressures on emerging cricket boards while preserving the classic format for powerhouses like India, Australia, and England.

Sources:
news24online.comSportstarThe Guardian+1
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: news24online.comDaijiworldSportstar+1
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) will continue with the traditional five-day Test format, preserving the status quo for major cricketing nations such as India, England, and Australia.

However, a significant change is on the horizon for the 2027-29 WTC cycle, when the ICC plans to introduce four-day Test matches primarily for smaller cricketing nations. This move aims to alleviate the logistical and financial challenges these boards face in hosting lengthy matches.

"Many smaller nations are reluctant to host Tests due to the time they take out of the schedule and the cost," reports note, highlighting the rationale behind the shift. The four-day format will require a minimum of 98 overs per day, up from the usual 90, to compensate for the reduced duration and maintain competitive balance.

ICC Chair Jay Shah has expressed support for this initiative, which was discussed during the WTC final at Lord's. The change is expected to enable smaller nations to play more Tests and longer series, with a three-Test series potentially completed in less than three weeks.

"The move to reduce matches by one day would be a significant change and can help smaller nations play more Tests and longer series," the reports emphasize.

Meanwhile, the 2025-27 WTC cycle will commence with Sri Lanka hosting Bangladesh in a two-Test series, adhering to the five-day format. The ICC's dual approach seeks to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring the sustainability and growth of Test cricket globally.

This phased implementation reflects the ICC's sensitivity to the differing capacities of cricket boards worldwide, preserving marquee contests while fostering inclusivity for emerging teams.
Sources: news24online.comDaijiworld
The ICC confirmed the 2025-27 World Test Championship will retain the traditional five-day Test format, while four-day Tests are planned for the 2027-29 cycle, primarily benefiting smaller cricketing nations. Major teams like India, England, and Australia will continue with five-day matches, as ICC Chair Jay Shah supports the change.
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Key Facts
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to introduce four-day Test matches for smaller cricketing nations during the 2027-29 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while maintaining the traditional five-day format for major series involving India, England, and Australia.news24online.com
  • ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed support for the four-day Test proposal during discussions held at Lord’s during the WTC final.news24online.comDaijiworldSportstar+1
  • The proposal aims to reduce logistical and financial burdens on smaller cricket boards hosting long-format matches.news24online.com
  • To compensate for the shorter duration, four-day Tests require a minimum of 98 overs per day instead of the usual 90 overs.news24online.comSportstar
  • India, Australia, and England will continue playing five-day Tests and are likely exempt from the four-day format change.Daijiworld
  • Four-day Tests could enable smaller nations to play more matches and complete a three-match series in less than three weeks.SportstarThe GuardianDaijiworld
  • The 2025-27 WTC cycle will continue with the traditional five-day Test format.Daijiworld
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to introduce four-day Test matches for smaller cricketing nations during the 2027–2029 cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC), while maintaining the traditional five-day format for major series involving India, England, and Australia.
news24online.com
news24online.com
During discussions last week at the WTC final at Lord’s, the ICC chair, Jay Shah, is understood to have expressed his support for four-day Tests, with a view to sanctioning them in time for the 2027-29 WTC cycle.
Sportstar
SportstarThe Guardian
During discussions last week at the WTC final at Lord’s, the ICC chair, Jay Shah, is understood to have expressed his support for four-day Tests, with a view to sanctioning them in time for the 2027-29 WTC cycle.
The Guardian
SportstarThe Guardian
For now, the 2025–27 WTC cycle will continue in the traditional five-day format. It begins with Sri Lanka taking on Bangladesh in a two-Test series starting Tuesday.
Daijiworld
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