One of the Ashes Tests may get hosted in India | PC- AFP
In what may come as a dramatic move to many, Cricket Australia (CA) has opened its horizons and will host one of the Ashes Test matches in India.
Ashes - the iconic rivalry between Australia and England is one of the oldest rivalries in the sport, which began in 1882 with a “Mock Obituary” as the English team lost to the Aussies at home.
Since then, the Ashes series, which happens once every two years, is regarded as one of the most celebrated sporting events on the cricketing calendar.
CA boss leaves door open for India hosting Ashes Test
Interestingly, both England and Australia host each other once every four years as part of their Future Tours Programme (FTP). It allows the two countries to part forward their historical prestige.
However, to popularise the Ashes rivalry among the masses, CA is exploring a never-before-heard option. As confirmed by the Australian board’s CEO, Todd Greenberg, they are open to one of the Ashes Tests on Indian soil.
“Our relationship with the ECB but also the BCCI is very strong, and clearly there are opportunities in India to put more content into certain areas,” Greenberg told BBC’s Stumped podcast.
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Although nothing is confirmed yet, India will be a huge avenue to promote Test cricket, especially with the market size and deep pockets of the sponsors the sub-continental country has.
“It’s not something we’re currently planning, but it would be certainly open to consideration," the CA CEO added.
"I think Test cricket between us, England and India is still very strong, probably bucking the trend as to other parts of the world. So we want to make sure we continue to grow it and strengthen it."
BBL coming to India in December
Earlier this month, Cricket Australia made another progressive move by bringing their franchise league, the Big Bash League (BBL), to India.
The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the BBL 2026/27 curtain-raiser between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers on December 12, 2026.
Although India's well-known IPL has moved out of its natural home at times, it is the first time a BBL game will be hosted outside of Australia.
Meanwhile, India earlier used to host the Champions League, but staging a Big Bash fixture will be a massive boost for the Indian Board.
Ashes 2027 fixtures announced by ECB
Recently, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the fixtures for the Ashes 2027, with Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, Southampton, and The Oval locked in as the five venues for next summer.
The historic series will run from June 18 to August 2, with a warm-up game scheduled to be played at Manchester between June 7 and 10.
That said, CA will get their turn in the next cycle, in 2029–30, and if they look to bring the Ashes to India, it won't be possible till then.
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