The International Cricket Council (ICC) has convened a Cricket Operations Workshop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to determine the schedule for the next cycle of international cricket.

The meeting, which began on Tuesday (September 22), is discussing the finalization of the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) spanning from 2027 to 2031.

The current FTP is set to conclude in March 2027. Initial indications suggest that while the new schedule will see an increase in T20 International matches, bilateral ODI series are likely to be trimmed.

According to ICC sources, the finalized shape of the new schedule may be presented at the ICC's quarterly meeting in Bali this November.

The ICC views the T20 format as a primary tool for the global expansion of cricket.

Meanwhile, with a busy schedule making it difficult to balance all three formats, a decision may be reached to reduce the number of bilateral ODI series.

However, to keep the ODI format engaging, there is consideration of bringing back tri-series or quadrangular series reminiscent of the 1990s.

While the new FTP is not yet finalized, the schedule for bilateral series between India, Australia, and England is largely set.

Under traditional scheduling, the historic Ashes will take place in 2027, 2029-30, and 2031.

Additionally, India is scheduled to tour England for a Test series in early 2028, and England will host India on home soil in 2029.

However, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could have a major impact on the international cricket schedule for the 2027–31 cycle.

Cricket is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1900, with the games scheduled for July 2028.

At the same time, England is slated to host a Test series against the West Indies at home.

This creates a potential conflict between the men's one-week T20 cricket event at the Olympics and England's Test schedule.

Discussions are also underway regarding expanding the number of teams in the World Test Championship (WTC).

The fourth cycle of the WTC is currently running with nine teams, and proposals are on the table to include Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.

While Zimbabwe has reportedly expressed interest in joining the WTC, the stances of Afghanistan and Ireland remain unclear.

Furthermore, the meeting may decide to increase the number of approved technology providers to break the monopoly in the DRS technology market.

Overall, the workshop in Dubai indicates that the landscape of international cricket over the next four years is poised for significant changes.

A clearer picture is expected to emerge following this week's meetings.
Source: ESPNcricinfo