ICC Evaluated Future Cricket Schedule in Dubai
The cricket council met to structure the 2027-31 international tours and future format changes.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Olympics
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The International Cricket Council convened a two-day cricket operations workshop in Dubai on September 22-23, 2026. The council gathered operations teams from all Full Member boards and eight top Associate members to coordinate the upcoming 2027-31 Future Tours Programme.
Why it matters
The council aims to recalibrate international cricket by increasing the frequency of T20 Internationals while attempting to preserve the relevance of the 50-over ODI format. This structural review is essential for balancing commercial interests with the scheduling demands of member nations ahead of the next cycle.
The council evaluated the structure for the 2027-31 cycle, which follows the current FTP cycle ending in March 2027. This cycle will include the 2027 ODI World Cup hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, followed by cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The players
International Cricket Council
The ICC acts as the global governing body for cricket, responsible for organizing major international tournaments and regulating the sport.
The details
The ICC is reviewing its DRS accreditation framework to assess future ball-tracking technology, with Hawk-Eye and Virtual Eye currently serving as the approved suppliers. Additionally, a working committee presentation in April 2026 recommended the inclusion of Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland in the World Test Championship.
Timeline
April 2026 saw a working committee recommend WTC expansion.
The cricket operations workshop occurred in Dubai on September 22-23, 2026.
The final 2027-31 FTP will be presented at the November 2026 quarterly meeting in Bali.
The current FTP cycle concludes in March 2027.
The 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in October-November 2027.
Season Trajectory
This planning phase signals a major shift in international cricket as the governing body moves to prioritize T20 formats. The finalized schedule will dictate the global competitive balance through the 2028 Olympics and beyond.
Fans should anticipate a decline in bilateral 50-over ODI matches as the sport shifts its focus toward T20 international fixtures. This change directly impacts the long-term international calendar leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The takeaway
The sport is actively navigating a transition that favors shorter, high-intensity formats to maintain global engagement. Stakeholders should expect the finalized tour schedule to reflect these priorities when it is released later this year.
What happens next
The final 2027-31 Future Tours Programme is scheduled to be presented at the International Cricket Council quarterly meeting in Bali in November 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on international multi-sport events, visit the Olympics section.
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Would you attend more cricket matches if teams prioritized T20 tournaments over ODI series?
