ICC workshop to shape 2027-31 FTP with more T20Is and fewer bilateral ODIs

The International Cricket Council is holding a two-day cricket operations workshop in Dubai on September 22-23, 2026 to lay the groundwork for the 2027-31 Future Tours Programme. Operations teams from all Full Member boards and the top eight Associate members have been invited to attend the discussions.

The central proposal on the table is an increase in T20 Internationals between Full Members across the 2027-31 cycle, with bilateral ODIs expected to be reduced to accommodate the shift. The final 2027-31 FTP is expected to be presented at the ICC quarterly meeting in November in Bali, ahead of the current FTP cycle concluding in March 2027.

One of the more complex scheduling challenges facing the ICC is fitting together the commitments of Australia, England and India. The Ashes is scheduled in England in 2027, in Australia in 2029-30 and back in England in 2031. England are due to tour India in early 2028, and India are set to tour England in 2029. According to the ICC, the FTP process involves 'so many moving parts'.

How will ODIs be made more meaningful in the new cycle?

With bilateral ODIs set to decrease across the 2027-31 cycle, the ICC and its member boards are actively exploring ways to preserve the relevance of the 50-over format. One proposal under consideration is the revival of tri-series and quadrilateral tournaments in the style of competitions that were common in the 1990s, rather than continuing with an ODI Super League structure.

The 2027 ODI World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October-November 2027, also factors into the scheduling picture. South Africa are expected to host India immediately after that tournament concludes. Pakistan have a five-match ODI series against England scheduled for the summer of 2027, and Pakistan are also set for a three-Test tour of Australia in 2027-28.

The Los Angeles Olympics in July 2028 presents a further scheduling complication, as it is expected to clash with England's home Test series against West Indies. The BCCI has also instructed FTP personnel to build proper rest and acclimatisation periods into the 2027-31 cycle, including friendly matches before major series in SENA countries.

What is the status of WTC expansion and other agenda items?

The World Test Championship format is also on the agenda at the Dubai workshop. An ICC working committee presentation in April 2026 recommended the inclusion of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland in the WTC, along with the allowance of one-Test series within the league. However, the status of WTC expansion for the 2027-29 cycle remains unresolved, and a clearer direction is expected to emerge from the workshop.

The DRS accreditation programme is another item scheduled for discussion at the Dubai meeting. Currently, Hawk-Eye and Virtual Eye are the two ICC-approved ball-tracking suppliers, and the workshop is expected to examine the accreditation framework going forward.