ICC reveals plans for big changes in ODI, Test formats

International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have planned to make major changes to promote Test and ODI cricket.

ICC has declared it important to ensure floodlight Test matches to make cricket more popular among fans. Officials are of the opinion that pink ball cricket will not only populate the grounds but also generate income from the sale of tickets.

During the ICC World Test Championship, each country gets to play three Test match series; currently, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and, to some extent, Pakistan are getting only two Test match series each.

On the contrary, England, India, and Australia are playing a series of at least three Test matches, which creates a difference in points distribution.

Similarly, in the ODI cricket format, it is also thought that the use of two balls should be limited to the first 50 overs so that the ball gets a little old in the last overs, and the bowlers can also be helped.

Currently, two new balls are allowed during 50 overs, but the latest suggestion is to use one ball for the first 25 overs and the second for the remaining 25 overs.

Tenure Extension of Jay Shah:

The recent International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting, held in Dubai, has revealed that the Board of Contol for Cricket in India (BCC) and its secretary, Jay Shah, plan to keep the chairman’s seat for six years.

The ICC press release states that the tenure of the ICC Chairman and Independent Director might be increased from three years to six years.

In August, Indian board secretary Jay Shah was elected unopposed as the president of the world governing body of cricket. ICC, which is likely further to strengthen India’s already ongoing monopoly on cricket.

He will take over the post in December of this year from current chairman Greg Barclay, who decided not to take up the seat for the third time.