The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided against introducing a World Club Championship or any new international multilateral tournaments until 2031, following pushback from England, Australia, and India. After informal discussions and a cricket operations workshop in Dubai, the ICC concluded without proposing additional events, meaning the upcoming Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2027-2031 will mirror the current cycle.

One potential change includes expanding the World Test Championship to 12 teams starting next year, with Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe joining, although finalized plans are still pending.

The ICC is keen on exploring new competitions to enhance the sport and increase revenues, leading to friction with the so-called Big Three. Notably, India generates approximately 70% of cricket’s global revenue, placing them in a unique position.

Proposed ideas from the ICC include:

• A World Club Championship
• A series of four-team T20 competitions for international sides during additional windows

Despite interest from smaller nations, the Big Three remain firm that the calendar lacks space for more events unless existing tournaments like the World Cups and Champions Trophy are removed, a topic that has not been discussed. One source indicated that there is little appetite for more multilateral events among the Big Three, describing the ICC's proposals as an attempt at a landgrab.

Many ideas stem from a strategic review by McKinsey & Company, with a full report expected at the next ICC meeting in Bali next month. Concerns about declining media rights value prompted the ICC's push for additional events, especially as Disney Star's $3.1 billion deal for Indian rights is now seen as unsustainable following its merger with Viacom 18.

While the FTP won’t be finalized until the Bali meeting, England, Australia, and India have already scheduled matches among themselves until 2031, including the Ashes in 2024 and a five-Test series in 2028. The upcoming auction for TV rights will cover 2028-2032, featuring two T20 World Cups, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 50-over World Cup. The ICC has opted not to comment on these developments.