ICC Exploring Fixed Windows and New Formats
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a comprehensive overhaul of the global cricket calendar. Discussions are underway about introducing multilateral series, establishing continental championships, creating a World Club Championship for T20 franchises, implementing fixed windows for each format, and potentially altering the length of One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
These talks among the 12 full member nations are scheduled to take place at the ICC’s annual general meeting in Edinburgh on Wednesday. The strategic review is being conducted with the assistance of the consulting firm McKinsey.
Sources indicate that although the process is in its early stages, the ICC is promoting the consideration of bold ideas aimed at securing the long-term viability of all three international cricket formats—Test matches, T20s, and ODIs—especially in response to the growing influence of franchise leagues.
The ICC’s future tours programme is currently fixed until the end of next year. Beyond that, major events such as the World Cups, the World Test Championship (WTC), and series involving England, India, and Australia are scheduled through to 2031. Consequently, any significant changes to the calendar would likely be implemented after this period.
Sources further reveal that after focusing on the WTC format in recent years, the ICC now prefers a more comprehensive, long-term strategy designed to create a framework that allows all three international formats to prosper.
Fixed Windows and Format Adjustments
Among the proposals under consideration are fixed international windows, such as scheduling ODIs exclusively in the 18 months leading up to a World Cup. More radical suggestions include shortening the duration of ODIs. The ICC is also exploring expanding its event portfolio, noting that bilateral series not involving England, India, or Australia tend to have limited commercial appeal.
While there are currently no plans to add more global tournaments to the existing four-year cycle—which includes the 50-over World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and two T20 World Cups for men and women—the ICC may introduce additional multilateral events.
One idea being discussed is the introduction of continental championships, similar to the biennial Asia Cup, which features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The ICC is also considering the possibility of managing a World Club Championship.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia, and Cricket South Africa previously operated a T20 Champions League involving franchise teams from 2009 to 2014. However, the tournament was discontinued after six seasons due to limited commercial success.
Governance and Revenue Considerations
Any ICC initiative to oversee bilateral or multilateral series is expected to face opposition from England, India, and Australia, as these boards prefer to maintain control over their own revenue streams. However, fixed international windows for each format are likely to receive broader support. Players have also expressed support for fixed windows; the World Cricketers’ Association advocated for them in a report published last year.
World Test Championship Expansion
The ICC’s AGM will also address a proposed expansion of the World Test Championship to 12 teams for the 2027 to 2029 cycle. Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan are candidates for inclusion. This expansion would only be feasible if one-off Test matches are considered eligible for WTC points. A final decision regarding the WTC format is expected in November.
The ICC was contacted for comment but did not provide a statement at the time of publication.
