Cricket Australia has publicly confirmed it is open to the possibility of hosting future Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Australia, adding fresh momentum to growing collaboration between Australian and Indian cricket beyond the international calendar.
Although no plans have been announced to stage IPL fixtures outside India in Australia, the governing body’s latest comments indicate the idea is firmly under consideration as both boards continue exploring new commercial opportunities through franchise cricket.
Cricket Australia outlines its position
Discussing the relationship between the two countries, a Cricket Australia spokesperson told India Today: “Australian Cricket works collaboratively with all our ICC partners including India for the good of the game. We acknowledge the strong economic impact India has on cricket and how the Indian team’s touring schedule, particularly, benefits other ICC member nations through increased broadcast revenue.”
The spokesperson added: “We are very pleased to be showcasing the BBL to Indian audiences and don’t rule out the possibility of an IPL or Indian bilateral game being played in Australia at some stage.”
The comments represent Cricket Australia‘s clearest public indication yet that it sees scope for expanding its partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) beyond bilateral cricket, even though no formal proposal has been announced.
Earlier discussions provide context
The latest remarks build on discussions that have already been taking place between the two boards.
As previously reported by cricexec, Cricket Australia has been exploring reciprocal franchise opportunities with the BCCI, including discussions around the long-term possibility of bringing IPL matches to Australia. Those discussions remain exploratory, with no agreement in place, but have been linked to broader efforts to strengthen franchise cricket ties between the two countries.
The Melbourne Renegades are scheduled to face the Perth Scorchers at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on December 12 in the opening match of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, as reported previously by cricexec. The fixture will become the first official Big Bash League match played outside Australia and has emerged as a significant milestone in the expanding relationship between the two governing bodies.
The broader discussions have also reflected ambitions to create stronger commercial links between the IPL and BBL while opening new opportunities for collaboration beyond traditional international tours.
Ashes speculation addressed
Cricket Australia also used the opportunity to clarify recent speculation surrounding the proposed 150th anniversary Ashes Test after earlier comments from Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg prompted debate about whether the landmark fixture could be staged in India.
Clarifying the board’s position, the spokesperson said: “The idea of playing an Ashes Test was raised by a podcast interviewer, and there are no plans in place to do so.”
That clarification leaves the focus on Cricket Australia’s willingness to explore new opportunities with Indian cricket, while confirming that discussions around an Australian-hosted IPL match remain separate from speculation surrounding the Ashes and continue to be a longer-term possibility rather than a confirmed project.
