ICC considers more T20Is and fewer bilateral ODIs in 2027-31 cycle

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering increasing the number of T20I matches while reducing bilateral ODI cricket during the 2027-31 international cricket cycle.

An ICC cricket operations workshop is being held in Dubai this week, with the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) one of the main items on the agenda.

The current FTP cycle is scheduled to conclude in March 2027. Although significant progress has been made in recent months, the new FTP is not expected to be fully finalised during this week's meetings, with several details still to be resolved.

However, many of the major commitments involving Full Members are expected to be settled. The final FTP is likely to be presented at the ICC quarterly meeting scheduled to take place in Bali in November.

More T20Is, fewer bilateral ODIs

There is likely to be an increase in the number of T20Is between Full Members during the next cycle, with bilateral ODIs potentially reduced to make room in an increasingly crowded international calendar.

T20 cricket remains a major growth vehicle for the ICC, while the T20 World Cup is held every two years compared with the four-year cycle of the ODI World Cup.

However, the reduction in bilateral ODIs does not mean the format is being pushed aside. The ODI World Cup remains one of cricket's biggest global events.

There has also been discussion about making bilateral ODIs more meaningful through formats such as tri-series and quadrangular tournaments, similar to competitions that were common during the 1990s.

Big Three commitments largely settled

Although the overall FTP is still being finalised, the major commitments between India, Australia and England are understood to have been largely settled.

The Ashes is expected to continue its traditional schedule, with series in England in 2027, Australia in 2029-30 and England again in 2031.

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

2028 Olympics create scheduling challenge

The 2027-31 cycle will also include the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where cricket is set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900.

The Olympic cricket tournament is expected to be played in July 2028, potentially creating a scheduling clash with England's home Test commitments.

For other Full Members, one of the major challenges will be fitting their commitments with India, Australia and England into an already crowded calendar.

South Africa, for example, are expected to host India shortly after the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia.

WTC format remains uncertain

The future structure of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also being discussed.

A proposal has previously been considered to expand the competition beyond its current nine teams by including Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. The possibility of allowing one-Test series has also been discussed.

Zimbabwe are understood to be interested in joining the WTC, although it remains uncertain whether Afghanistan and Ireland will be included.

At present, there is still no final decision on whether the WTC will be expanded for the next cycle beginning in 2027.

ICC looking to expand DRS suppliers

The ICC will also discuss its DRS accreditation programme during the Dubai meetings.

At present, Hawk-Eye and Virtual Eye are the ICC-approved suppliers of DRS technology for international cricket.

The governing body is now looking at expanding the number of approved technology providers in an effort to broaden the base of suppliers.