In a move that could redefine the traditional boundaries of international cricket, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has expressed a willingness to consider radical scheduling shifts for the game’s oldest rivalry. With administrators seeking to maximize commercial potential and expand cricket’s footprint into high-value overseas markets, CA boss Greenberg ‘open’ to Ashes Test in India in the future.
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A Radical Proposal for Cricket’s Oldest Rivalry
The Ashes rivalry between England and Australia dates back to 1882 and has traditionally operated on a strict rotation, with hosting duties alternating between the two nations every two years. Following Australia’s 4-1 victory in the 2025-26 winter series, the next edition is scheduled for the 2027 English summer. However, as the global sports landscape rapidly evolves, Cricket Australia is keeping its options open regarding non-traditional venues.
While clarifying that taking an Ashes match to neutral territory in India is not currently in the official planning stages, Greenberg emphasized that administrators must remain flexible when exploring growth opportunities. Speaking on the topic, he noted that the strong governance relationships between key international boards make such concepts worthy of future discussion and consideration.
Building on Precedents in Foreign Markets
The concept of playing marquee Australian cricket fixtures on Indian soil is not entirely without precedent. Cricket Australia has already taken steps toward entering the Indian market directly by scheduling a Big Bash League (BBL) fixture between the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers in Chennai this coming December.
Furthermore, both England and Australia are preparing for a landmark historical occasion in their long-standing rivalry. In March of next year, the two sides will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a one-off pink-ball Test to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their very first Test match encounter. While that celebratory fixture remains firmly anchored in Melbourne, the broader strategy of exploring global venues reflects a changing philosophy among top administrators seeking to engage wider international audiences.
The Economic Power of the Indian Cricket Market
The rationale behind considering India as a prospective venue for high-profile neutral matches stems directly from the immense financial weight of the Indian cricket market. Broadcasters and commercial partners in the region generate unparalleled revenue streams, which are becoming increasingly crucial for national boards trying to balance their financial ledgers.
The impact of India’s commercial pull was highlighted in a report released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year. The financial projection indicated that English cricket would register a profit largely off the back of a recently completed white-ball tour of England by the Indian national team. In stark contrast, the ECB projected financial losses for 2027, despite the fact that England will be hosting both the men’s and women’s Ashes series that summer.
As the ECB report explicitly stated:
“Attention should be drawn to the fact that the ECB’s revenues are inherently cyclical, reflecting the scheduling of high-value broadcast series by opposition.”
This economic reality illustrates why alternative scheduling concepts and neutral-venue fixtures in high-yield markets like India are gaining serious consideration among executive decision-makers.
Franchise Cricket, Governance Requirements, and the Big Three
Executing any potential Ashes match outside of Australia or England would represent a complex administrative undertaking. Any relocation would require formal sign-off from both Cricket Australia and the ECB, alongside full collaboration and approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The proposal comes at a time when franchise T20 cricket continues to expand rapidly across the globe. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has established a dominant presence in the modern cricket ecosystem, with its franchise owners extending their influence into international domestic competitions, including equity involvement in schemes like The Hundred in England.
Preserving Test Cricket’s Premier Rivalries
Despite the commercial expansion of short-format leagues, Greenberg remains confident that Test matches involving the game’s top nations continue to hold exceptional value. He highlighted that Test cricket involving Australia, England, and India is currently performing strongly, effectively bucking wider global trends where Test match attendance and viewership have faced challenges.
While commercial opportunities in India are vast, administrators face a significant logistical hurdle: an overcrowded global cricket calendar. The modern international landscape is saturated with bilateral series, ICC tournament commitments, and domestic T20 leagues, leaving minimal room for additional marquee events.
Addressing the scheduling constraints, Greenberg acknowledged that finding open windows remains the biggest challenge facing global administrators. With only 365 days in a year, balancing player workload, domestic leagues, and traditional Test series requires precise long-term planning.
Ultimately, while an Ashes Test on Indian soil remains a conceptual option rather than an immediate plan, the open-minded stance from Cricket Australia signals a willingness to adapt to modern economic and broadcast realities to ensure the long-term strength of Test cricket.
