There is a big step that Cricket Australia has decided to take in regards to one of the most storied rivalries in cricket. Following the decision to play the opening game of Big Bash League in Chennai this year, there is talk about possibly hosting an Ashes Test in India sometime in the future. According to chief executive Todd Greenberg, the idea is “open to consideration” though there are currently no plans of moving the match from Australia and England. It is part of Cricket Australia’s effort to tap into the Indian market.
The next Ashes series is scheduled to begin in England on June 18, 2027. Before that, Australia and England will meet in a one-off Test in March 2027 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic rivalry. Greenberg said, “It is not something that we are currently planning, but it is certainly open for consideration. We would have to be open to considering all options. Our relationship with the ECB and the BCCI is very strong, and clearly there are opportunities in India to put more content into certain areas.”
Scheduling Remains the Biggest Obstacle For An Ashes Test in India
While the idea has certainly sparked some excitement, bringing it to life is going to be quite a challenge. Since the Ashes rivalry kicked off in 1882, these iconic Tests have only been held in Australia and England. Shifting even one match to a neutral venue would need the backing of both the ECB and the BCCI, all while trying to squeeze it into an already jam-packed international schedule.
The scheduling hurdles are pretty daunting. International cricket takes up a huge chunk of the year, with bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and domestic T20 leagues all vying for attention. India, in particular, has a full calendar that includes the IPL, making it tough to carve out a five-day slot for a high-profile Test between Australia and England. Greenberg acknowledged that cricket’s biggest issue is time, noting that there are only 365 days in a year and the sport could really use “another month or two” to fit in all the events it wants to host.
Then there’s the matter of tradition. The Ashes is one of cricket’s most cherished rivalries, with historic venues in England and Australia playing a huge role in its charm. A neutral venue might not sit well with fans who cherish the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the classic home-and-away format. Still, Cricket Australia hasn’t completely dismissed the idea. With the BBL expanding into Chennai and strong connections between CA, the ECB, and the BCCI, this proposal shows that administrators are open to exploring fresh avenues for promoting Test cricket, even if it’s more of a long-term vision than something that’s going to happen right away.
