ICC's Big Boost for Test Cricket: Players to Get a Pay Hike and More Matches Ahead

Test Cricket's Revival Through World Test Championship

In recent years, Test cricket has faced declining interest, with fans gravitating towards quicker formats. Recognizing this challenge, the ICC introduced the World Test Championship, transforming Test cricket into a competitive tournament with a final round every two years. This move has significantly increased the importance of each Test match, rekindling interest among both players and spectators.

Financial Incentives to Encourage Test Cricket

While the World Test Championship has added prestige to Test cricket, player salaries in this format have remained relatively low, leading many cricketers to prefer shorter formats. To address this, the ICC is considering a substantial financial boost for Test cricket. A dedicated fund of at least $150 million USD is being proposed, aimed at increasing players' salaries and encouraging more participation in Test matches. This initiative is expected to make Test cricket more lucrative and attractive to players.

Global Support and Potential Impact

Cricket Australia, along with the England and Wales Cricket Board, has already supported this proposal, which, if approved, will not only raise players' salaries but also cover expenses for teams traveling abroad for Test matches. This financial support will be particularly beneficial for cricket boards in countries like the West Indies, where resources are limited. With this initiative, fans can expect to see an increase in the number of Test matches played globally.

Leadership Changes and Future of Test Cricket

As the ICC considers this significant financial investment in Test cricket, Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is emerging as a strong candidate for the ICC presidency. If he assumes this role, it is likely that the proposed changes will be implemented under his leadership, potentially shaping the future of Test cricket.

Looking Ahead: The World Test Championship

Currently, nine teams hold Test cricket status, all competing in the World Test Championship. As the third edition of the Championship unfolds, India and Australia are leading the pack. If these standings persist, the final match could once again feature these two powerhouse teams. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly watching to see if India, after falling short in the first two seasons, can clinch the title this time around.