The International Cricket Council is considering a wide-ranging overhaul of the international cricket calendar, including the introduction of a World Club T20 competition, shorter One-Day Internationals and dedicated windows for each format, according to an exclusive report by The Guardian‘s Matt Hughes.
The proposals are expected to form part of discussions between the ICC’s 12 Full Members at the governing body’s annual general meeting in Edinburgh on Wednesday. The review, which is being conducted with consulting firm McKinsey, is aimed at identifying long-term solutions to help Test cricket, ODIs and T20 internationals remain sustainable as franchise leagues continue to grow around the world.
ICC reviews long-term future of international cricket
Rather than focusing on individual competitions, the ICC is examining the broader structure of the global game and how the three international formats can coexist over the coming decades.
Among the ideas being explored are fixed windows for each format, allowing specific periods of the calendar to be reserved for Tests, ODIs and T20Is. One proposal under consideration would see ODI cricket concentrated in the lead-up to 50-over World Cups, while discussions have also included the possibility of reducing the duration of ODI matches.
Any significant changes would not take effect immediately, with the current Future Tours Programme already in place until next year and major ICC events, including World Cups, the World Test Championship and marquee bilateral series, scheduled through to 2031.
World Club T20 among proposals under discussion
The ICC is also assessing whether it could expand its events portfolio through additional international competitions.
One option being explored is a World Club Championship featuring leading T20 franchise teams. The concept follows the earlier Champions League T20, which was jointly operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa between 2009 and 2014 before the tournament was discontinued.
Continental competitions are also part of the discussions, with additional regional championships similar to the Asia Cup being considered as another way of strengthening the international calendar.
The review also reflects concerns over the commercial value of many bilateral series outside contests involving England, India and Australia, prompting the ICC to examine alternative formats that could generate greater global interest.
Governance and commercial considerations
Not every proposal is expected to receive universal backing.
According to the report, any move that would give the ICC greater control over bilateral or multilateral series could face resistance from England, India and Australia, whose boards currently retain control over their own commercial rights. However, fixed international windows are viewed as a more widely supported option and align with recommendations previously put forward by the World Cricketers’ Association.
Ashwin weighs in on ODI cricket
The debate over the future of ODI cricket has intensified as administrators look to balance the demands of the international calendar with the continued expansion of franchise leagues.
Speaking to PTI a few days earlier, Indian Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said: “If the game has to become global and it has to become an Olympic sport, the shorter the game, the more viable it is. And that’s how it’s going to become much bigger… T20 as a sport is here to stay. I’m not too sure about ODI cricket.”
World Test Championship expansion also on agenda
The annual meeting is also expected to consider expanding the World Test Championship from 10 to 12 teams for the 2027-2029 cycle.
Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are in line to join the competition under the proposal, although the expansion would depend on one-off Test matches being made eligible for World Test Championship points. A final decision on the future structure of the competition is expected in November, while the broader calendar review remains in its early stages.
