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Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has voiced strong disapproval of the idea to introduce four-day Tests in the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, calling it counterproductive to the essence of red-ball cricket.
Speaking during the ongoing Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Sajid said the traditional five-day format should remain untouched to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of Test cricket.
“I don’t think four-day Tests are good for the game,” Sajid stated.
“If you reduce Tests to four days, more matches will end in draws, and fans won’t enjoy that. Test cricket should stay five days, that’s what makes it the ultimate challenge.”
His remarks came just weeks after reports emerged that the ICC is likely to approve four-day Tests during the 2027–2029 WTC cycle, primarily to ease scheduling and accommodate smaller cricketing nations.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah has publicly backed the idea, particularly for matches not involving the so-called ‘Big Three,’ India, England, and Australia.
These three countries will continue to play traditional five-day contests in marquee series such as the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly launched Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The concept isn’t entirely new as the ICC had allowed four-day Tests as early as 2017, and in May this year, England hosted Zimbabwe in a historic four-day Test at Trent Bridge.
However, Sajid Khan believes that the longevity and fan appeal of the format are closely tied to its five-day structure.
“Test cricket is not just about results; it’s about patience, strategy, and the ebb and flow over five days. Taking that away means taking away its soul,” he added.
Sajid also praised the structure of the current camp, which includes senior and junior players training together under the guidance of experienced coaches.
“Working with Azhar Mahmood has been really beneficial, especially with a red-ball series in England coming up. There’s a lot to learn from him,” Sajid said.
“This camp is helping both juniors and seniors. We’re learning from each other and from experienced coaches.”
READ: Sajid Khan seeks county opportunity to evolve as white-ball bowler
