ICC reduces Test match to 4 days for most members including Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed in principle to reduce Test matches from five days to four for most member nations.

According to British media reports, the proposal will take effect in the 2027–29 World Test Championship cycle but will not apply to India, England or Australia, who will continue to play five‑day Tests.

All other Test‑playing nations—including Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the West Indies—will contest four‑day matches under the new arrangement. 

Traditional five-day Tests have long been regarded as the purest form of cricket, testing skill, temperament, and endurance. However, scheduling constraints, dwindling audience attention spans, and scarce opportunities for emerging cricket nations have created challenges.

During the WTC 2025–27 inauguration at Lord’s, ICC President Jay Shah reportedly signaled initial approval for four-day Test trials.

The proposal was discussed during the recent Test Championship final, where it gained attention. Supporters believe that shorter Tests could make the format more manageable and cost-effective for some boards.