The next international cricket calendar could see a significant increase in the number of multilateral matches. The International Cricket Council is exploring the possibility of bringing back more tri-series and quadrangular tournaments. This information comes from a report published by Cricbuzz on Saturday.
According to the report, bilateral matches and series are becoming less financially viable for cricket boards. They are also losing their appeal among fans. The ICC believes that multilateral events could generate greater interest. They also believe these events could provide better financial returns.
Tri-series and quadrangular tournaments have become rare in the international cricket calendar. This is unlike in the past. India last played a tri-series in the first quarter of 2018. They participated in a T20I tournament at that time. At present, the only T20I tri-series on the calendar is being played in Namibia. South Africa and Zimbabwe are the other teams participating in that tournament.
Since the 2019 ODI World Cup, there has been only one ODI tri-series. South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan featured in that tournament. It was held ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has also given instructions regarding the Future Tours Programme. The BCCI has instructed its FTP managers to plan the next FTP in a way that gives Indian players sufficient time to acclimatise to overseas conditions. This is particularly important before major tours of SENA countries. SENA stands for South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke about the challenges they are facing. He said there are too many matches in the year. He stated that the BCCI will take certain measures in the next FTP to address this issue. He said they have instructed their FTP managers to schedule the calendar in a way that ensures proper rest for players. They also want to include acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries.
India are scheduled to tour New Zealand in the final quarter of 2026. They could potentially travel to South Africa next year for a red-ball series following the ODI World Cup. Their next Test tour of Australia is scheduled for 2028-29. India are also set to face England in the second edition of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in the summer of 2029.
BCCI Plans More Gaps in India’s FTP to Allow Player Rest and Overseas Acclimatisation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has stated its intention to create gaps in the next Future Tours Programme cycle. The board wants adequate time for players to acclimatise to overseas conditions, particularly in SENA countries. SENA stands for South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. The BCCI does not have much time to make its case.
A workshop on the FTP is scheduled in Dubai on September 22 and 23. Operations teams from all cricket boards are expected to attend. The BCCI will also send its team to the workshop. The meeting will discuss the scheduling of international matches for the 2027 to 2031 cycle. Representatives from the top eight Associate countries have also been invited.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke about the challenges the board is facing. He said there are too many matches in the year. He stated that the BCCI will take certain measures in the next FTP to address this issue. He said they have instructed their FTP managers to schedule the calendar in a way that ensures proper rest for players. They also want to include acclimatisation or friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries.
The BCCI managers will have to work around existing bilateral commitments and ICC events in the next FTP. India will host England for five Tests at the beginning of 2028. They will travel to Australia at the end of that year. There will then be return tours. India will tour England tentatively in 2029. Australia will tour India in 2031.
In between these tours, there are ICC events to consider. The T20 World Cup will be held in 2028 in Australia and New Zealand. The Champions Trophy will be held in India in 2029. The T20 World Cup in 2030 will take place in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The ODI World Cup in 2031 will be held in India and Bangladesh. There are also World Test Championship commitments. These may require India to travel to South Africa and the West Indies. They may also need to host Sri Lanka and another team.
FAQs
Q. Why is the ICC considering more tri-series and quadrangular tournaments?
A. The ICC believes they could attract fans and improve financial returns.
Q. When did India last play a tri-series?
A. India last played one in the first quarter of 2018.
Q. What does SENA stand for in cricket?
A. SENA stands for South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
Q. When is the next FTP workshop scheduled?
A. The FTP workshop is scheduled for September 22 and 23 in Dubai.
Q. What does the BCCI want from the next FTP?
A. It wants more rest and acclimatisation time for Indian players.
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