More T20Is, Fewer ODIs: ICC Plans A New International Calendar

The ICC is preparing to reshape the international cricket calendar for the 2027-31 cycle, with more T20Is between Full Members and fewer bilateral ODI series emerging as key features of the proposed Future Tours Programme.

The changes are being discussed at the ICC's cricket operations workshop in Dubai this week, although the FTP is not expected to be finalised until the ICC's quarterly meeting in Bali in November. Several moving parts remain, meaning the current discussions are not yet a definitive schedule.

More T20Is, fewer bilateral ODIs

The biggest potential change is a shift towards more T20I cricket between Full Members, largely driven by the format's role in the ICC's growth strategy and the increasing demands on the international calendar.

T20Is are also supported by a World Cup cycle that runs every two years, compared with the four-year cycle for the ODI World Cup.

That does not mean the 50-over format is being phased out. The ODI World Cup remains the game's major global tournament, but members are discussing ways to give bilateral ODIs greater context while reducing the number of standalone series.

One option under discussion is the return of tri-series and potentially quadrangular tournaments, formats that were more common in the 1990s. The idea would be to create more meaningful ODI fixtures without restoring the previous ODI Super League.

The shift reflects a broader scheduling problem: international cricket is attempting to accommodate three formats, franchise leagues and major global events within an increasingly crowded calendar.

Big Three commitments largely in place

While the overall FTP is still being worked out, the major commitments involving India, Australia and England are understood to be largely settled.

The Ashes is set to continue its established pattern, with series scheduled for 2027 in England, 2029-30 in Australia and 2031 in England.

England are also scheduled to host India in 2029, while India are expected to host England for a Test series in early 2028.

The 2027-31 cycle will also have to accommodate cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The men's T20 tournament is expected to take place in July, potentially creating a scheduling clash with England's home Test series against West Indies.

For other Full Members, the challenge will be fitting their commitments with India, Australia and England around their existing schedules.

South Africa, for example, are expected to host India immediately after the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November.

Pakistan, meanwhile, cannot schedule bilateral cricket with India and has pushed for greater commitments against England and Australia. A five-match ODI series against England is already planned for next summer, while Pakistan are also scheduled to tour Australia for three Tests in 2027-28.

What happens to the World Test Championship?

The next cycle of the World Test Championship is another unresolved part of the discussions.

The current WTC consists of nine teams, but an ICC working committee had previously recommended expanding the competition to include Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland.

The proposal also included the possibility of one-Test series to accommodate the additional teams.

Zimbabwe are understood to be interested in joining the WTC, although it remains unclear whether Afghanistan and Ireland would participate if expansion goes ahead.

A two-tier WTC model was discussed previously but was subsequently dismissed. For now, the ICC has yet to determine whether the championship will expand for the 2027-29 cycle.

ICC also reviewing DRS technology suppliers

The Dubai workshop is also covering technology and officiating matters, including the ICC's DRS accreditation programme.

Hawk-Eye and Virtual Eye are currently the ICC's approved suppliers for DRS technology in international cricket. The governing body is now looking at expanding the pool of accredited review-technology providers.

The broader FTP, meanwhile, is expected to take clearer shape in Dubai, but the final 2027-31 international calendar is not due until November.