The International Cricket Council (ICC) and member boards are concluding a two-day workshop in Dubai (September 22-23, 2026) to outline the 2027-31 Future Tours Programme (FTP). The upcoming cycle focuses on a T20I-heavy calendar with a reduction in standalone bilateral ODI series compared to the previous cycle.
To sustain commercial interest in 50-over cricket outside of World Cups, member boards are planning to reintroduce tri-series and quadrangular tournaments. These multi-nation formats are proposed to replace the traditional bilateral model that has seen declining engagement.
A reported claim suggests the ICC is exploring neutral-venue tri-series as a ‘loophole’ to facilitate matches between India and Pakistan. This model would allow the two nations to compete in multi-team environments, bypassing the current ban on bilateral series between the sides.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seeking mandatory windows for player rest and acclimatization. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s mandate for the upcoming cycle: “We have instructed our FTP personnel… that our FTP should be scheduled in such a way that there is proper rest for the players as well as some kind of acclimatisation through friendly matches before any major series in SENA countries.” Analysis suggests this stance responds to workload and injury concerns recently noted by players including Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
In a first for these scheduling workshops, representatives from the top eight Associate nations were invited to Dubai. Their participation is intended to integrate their fixtures into the global calendar alongside Full Members as the sport prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
An ICC official described the current scheduling process as having “so many moving parts.” While the Dubai workshop has established the framework for the 2027-31 cycle, the final FTP is scheduled for ratification at the ICC meeting in Bali in November 2026.
