ICC Considers Calendar Overhaul Including World Club T20 and Shorter ODIs

The International Cricket Council is exploring changes to the international cricket calendar. Options under review include fixed windows for each format, continental championships, a World Club Championship for T20 franchises, and possible reductions in the length of one-day internationals.

Talks among the 12 full members are scheduled for the ICC's annual general meeting in Edinburgh on Wednesday. The review is being managed by the consulting firm McKinsey.

The ICC's future tours programme is fixed until next year. Events such as World Cups, the World Test Championship, and series involving England, India, and Australia are scheduled until 2031, so any changes would take effect after that period. Fixed windows could limit ODIs to the 18 months before a World Cup.

The ICC is also considering adding multilateral events beyond the current four-year cycle of the 50-over World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and two T20 World Cups.

Bilateral series not involving England, India, or Australia have limited commercial value. Continental championships modeled on the Asia Cup are among the ideas being discussed. The ICC is also examining a potential role in running a World Club Championship.

A previous T20 Champions League operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia, and Cricket South Africa ran from 2009 to 2014 before folding. England, India, and Australia are expected to oppose any ICC control over bilateral or multilateral series.

Fixed international windows would be more widely supported and were requested by the World Cricketers' Association in a report last year.

The ICC will also discuss expanding the World Test Championship to 12 teams for the 2027-2029 cycle. Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan could be included if one-off Tests are eligible for points. A final decision on the WTC format is expected in November.