Cricket Australia explores radical proposal for England Test in India

Cricket Australia has no plans to stage an Ashes Test in India, despite chief executive Todd Greenberg expressing openness to exploring the possibility of a one-off Australia-England Test in world cricket's biggest market. Greenberg was asked whether Cricket Australia would consider staging an Ashes Test in India after committing to host this year's Big Bash League opener between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers in Chennai. While he did not rule out the idea, it is understood that Cricket Australia has held no discussions with either the England and Wales Cricket Board or the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding such a match.

The historic series between England and Australia dates back to 1882, with each team hosting the five-match contest alternately every four years. Australia's 4-1 victory in the 2025-26 winter edition was the most recent showdown, with the next instalment scheduled for England's summer in 2027. Before that, the rivals will compete in a one-off day-night Test at Melbourne's Cricket Ground in March 2027 to honour 150 years since their first encounter.

"It's not something that we are planning, but it's open for consideration. We'd 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 in certain areas," said Greenberg on BBC Stumped podcast.

Why does India represent a commercial opportunity for the Ashes?

An England and Wales Cricket Board financial report released this year projected that the ECB would post a profit following India's recent white-ball tour of England. The same report forecast losses for 2027 despite the board's hosting of both men's and women's Ashes series. India's dominance in cricket's commercial landscape stems from its population, passionate fanbase, and the Indian Premier League's global reach.

"The challenge for all of us in global cricket is there are only 365 days in a schedule and we probably need another month or two if we actually can generate the content we want to," Greenberg acknowledged.

What approval would be needed for an India Ashes Test?

Any shift in venue would require sign-off from both Cricket Australia and the ECB, along with the BCCI's cooperation. Greenberg's remarks follow Cricket Australia's groundbreaking decision to stage the BBL's opening fixture in Chennai this December, when the Melbourne Renegades will face defending champions Perth Scorchers on December 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The next men's Ashes Test cycle begins on Friday, June 18, 2027, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.