Ashes Test in India? Cricket Australia Open to Play AUS vs ENG Match on Indian Soil
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has expressed openness to the groundbreaking idea of hosting an Ashes Test in India, a move that could redefine the historic rivalry's 144-year history. This unprecedented proposal aims to leverage India's massive cricket market and strengthen Test cricket globally, building on CA's decision to stage a Big Bash League.
In a potentially groundbreaking development for international cricket, Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Todd Greenberg has indicated the board's willingness to explore staging a historic Ashes Test match in India. The notion, described as 'open for consideration' rather than a current plan, signals a significant strategic shift aimed at expanding the rivalry's global reach and capitalizing on India's lucrative cricket market. Ashes 2027 Schedule Announced: England Host Australia in Five-Test Series Starting June 18.
Speaking on BBC's Stumped podcast, Greenberg highlighted the strong relationships between CA, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), suggesting that opportunities exist to introduce more content into key regions like India. India, widely recognized as the financial powerhouse of global cricket, presents an unparalleled audience and commercial potential. This proactive stance follows CA's decision to host a Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers in Chennai this December, a move already aimed at growing the sport in overseas markets.
Rationale Behind the Radical Idea
The discussions surrounding an Ashes Test in India are rooted in a broader strategy to strengthen Test cricket's position in an increasingly T20-dominated calendar. Greenberg believes that Test cricket between Australia, England, and India continues to buck the global trend of declining interest, asserting the need to nurture and grow this traditional format. Taking one of cricket's oldest and fiercest rivalries, which has traditionally been confined to Australian and English soil since 1882, to new audiences is seen as a vital step for its evolution.
However, implementing such a proposal would necessitate unanimous approval from all three major cricketing boards: Cricket Australia, the ECB, and the BCCI. The challenge of integrating an additional marquee fixture into an already congested international schedule would also need careful navigation, as Greenberg himself noted the difficulties with only 365 days in a year.
Ashes Tradition and Future Fixtures
Australia secured a commanding 4-1 victory in the most recent Ashes series, which concluded in the 2025-26 season. The next installment of the Ashes is slated to be hosted in England in 2027. PM Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Announce Historic BBL 2026-27 Opener in Chennai.
Separately, Australia and England are also scheduled for a one-off pink-ball Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from March 11-15, 2027. This fixture is set to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match played between the two nations, which occurred in 1877. It's important to distinguish this celebratory match from the potential future Ashes Test in India, as the latter remains a concept under consideration rather than a confirmed event.
While no concrete plans are currently in place, Cricket Australia's openness to the idea signals a progressive approach to securing the long-term relevance and commercial viability of Test cricket's most cherished contest. The prospect of the Ashes captivating Indian fans on home soil could herald a new chapter for the sport's oldest rivalry.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 10:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
