Could cricket’s most iconic rivalry be played in India? Cricket Australia has indicated it is willing to explore the possibility of staging an Australia vs England Test match in India, signaling a fresh approach to expanding the global reach of Test cricket.

While no official plans have been announced, the proposal has generated significant interest among cricket fans, given India’s massive fan base and commercial appeal.

Cricket Australia Open to New Venues for Iconic Test Matches

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said the governing body is open to considering new opportunities that could take marquee Test matches to key international markets.

Although the Ashes has traditionally been played exclusively in Australia and England since its inception in 1882, Greenberg suggested that exhibition matches or standalone Tests in other countries could become a possibility in the future.

He noted that strong relationships between Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provide scope for discussions if such an opportunity arises.

Why India Is Being Considered

India has emerged as cricket’s biggest commercial market, making it an attractive destination for marquee international events.

The growing popularity of Indian cricket, combined with its huge television audience and sponsorship opportunities, has encouraged several cricket boards to explore new initiatives.

Cricket Australia’s decision to stage a Big Bash League (BBL) match in Chennai later this year is another example of its efforts to expand into overseas markets.

Ashes Tradition Remains Unchanged—for Now

Despite the discussions, there are currently no confirmed plans to shift an official Ashes Test to India.

The Ashes remains one of cricket’s oldest and most celebrated rivalries, traditionally alternating between England and Australia every two years.

Australia regained the coveted urn with a dominant 4-1 series victory in the 2025–26 Ashes.

England will host the next Ashes series in 2027.

Special Test Before the 2027 Ashes

Before the next Ashes series begins, Australia and England are scheduled to play a standalone day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in March 2027.

The match will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match but will not count as part of the Ashes series.

Financial Opportunities Driving the Discussion

Cricket boards across the world are increasingly looking for ways to strengthen revenues while maintaining the popularity of Test cricket.

With franchise leagues continuing to dominate the international calendar, hosting marquee Test matches in commercially significant markets such as India could help attract larger audiences and generate additional revenue.

However, any proposal to stage an Australia-England Test in India would require approval from:

• Cricket Australia (CA)
• England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
• Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

Scheduling such a fixture would also be a major challenge due to the already packed international cricket calendar.

Future of Test Cricket

Cricket Australia believes iconic rivalries involving Australia, England, and India remain central to the future of Test cricket.

Expanding these contests into new markets could help strengthen the longest format while introducing it to wider audiences around the world.

Although the idea remains exploratory, it reflects a growing willingness among cricket administrators to rethink traditional scheduling models.

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Key Highlights

• Cricket Australia is open to exploring an Australia vs England Test in India.
• No official plans have been finalized.
• India is viewed as a major commercial and cricketing market.
• The Ashes has traditionally been played only in Australia and England.
• Australia won the 2025–26 Ashes series 4-1.
• A standalone day-night Test at the MCG is scheduled for March 2027.
• Any overseas Test would require approval from CA, ECB, and BCCI.

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FAQs

1. Is the Ashes coming to India?

No. There are currently no confirmed plans, but Cricket Australia has said it is open to exploring the possibility of an Australia vs England Test in India.

2. Why is India being considered?

India is the world’s largest cricket market, offering significant commercial opportunities, massive fan engagement, and global television audiences.

3. Would an India Test be an official Ashes match?

At present, no such proposal exists. Any future match in India would most likely be a standalone Test unless all governing bodies agree otherwise.

4. Who suggested the idea?

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the organization would be willing to consider the proposal.

5. Has an Ashes Test ever been played outside Australia or England?

No. Since the rivalry began in 1882, Ashes matches have been played only in Australia and England.

6. When is the next Ashes series?

England will host the next Ashes series in 2027.

7. What is the special Australia vs England Test in 2027?

The teams will play a standalone day-night Test at the MCG to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.

8. Would the BCCI need to approve the proposal?

Yes. Any Australia vs England Test in India would require approval from the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and the ECB.

9. Why are cricket boards exploring overseas matches?

They aim to grow Test cricket, reach new audiences, and create additional commercial opportunities amid the rise of franchise leagues.

10. Has Cricket Australia already expanded into India?

Yes. The board has announced plans to stage a Big Bash League match in Chennai, reflecting its interest in the Indian market.