Cricket Australia Open to Hosting Australia vs England Test in India, Ashes Exhibition Match Under Consideration

Cricket Australia (CA) has indicated it is open to the possibility of staging an Australia vs England Test match in India, with Chief Executive Todd Greenberg saying the governing body is willing to explore new opportunities to take marquee Test cricket to global audiences.

While no formal proposal has been announced, Greenberg said the idea could be considered in the future, highlighting India's growing importance as one of cricket's biggest commercial and fan markets.

Cricket Australia Open to New Venues

Speaking about the future of international Test cricket, Greenberg said Cricket Australia would be prepared to evaluate different options for hosting high-profile matches outside their traditional venues.

He noted that Cricket Australia's strong relationships with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provide opportunities to explore innovative ideas.

Although there are currently no confirmed plans, Greenberg said an exhibition Test between Australia and England in India would remain a possibility for future discussions.

Why India?

India has become one of the most significant commercial markets in world cricket, attracting large audiences and generating substantial broadcasting and sponsorship revenues.

The growing importance of the Indian market has also influenced Cricket Australia's scheduling decisions.

Later this year, the Big Bash League (BBL) is set to stage a match between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers in Chennai, reflecting the organisation's willingness to take domestic cricket beyond Australian shores.

Ashes Tradition Remains Unchanged

The Ashes remains one of cricket's oldest and most celebrated rivalries, traditionally contested between Australia and England on a home-and-away basis.

Australia regained the Ashes with a 4-1 series victory in the 2025–26 edition, while England is scheduled to host the next Ashes series in 2027.

Before that, the two nations will play a standalone day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket. That fixture will not be part of the Ashes series.

Growing Test Cricket Beyond Traditional Markets

Greenberg suggested that taking iconic Test matches to new audiences could help strengthen the format at a time when franchise leagues continue to dominate the global cricket calendar.

He acknowledged that scheduling remains one of international cricket's biggest challenges, with an increasingly crowded calendar leaving limited room for additional marquee fixtures.

Despite those challenges, he believes expanding the reach of Test cricket could benefit the sport in the long term.

Multiple Boards Would Need to Approve

Any proposal to host an Australia-England Test in India would require agreement from:

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

At present, there has been no official announcement regarding such a fixture, and the concept remains an idea open for future consideration.

Key Highlights

• Cricket Australia says it is open to considering an Australia vs England Test in India.
• CEO Todd Greenberg believes marquee Test matches can reach new global audiences.
• No official plans have been announced for such a fixture.
• India's growing commercial importance continues to influence international cricket scheduling.
• The Big Bash League will stage a match in Chennai later this year.
• Any proposal would require approval from Cricket Australia, ECB and BCCI.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Ashes moving to India?

No. There are currently no plans to move the Ashes series to India. Cricket Australia has only said it is open to considering an exhibition Australia-England Test in India.

Who made the statement?

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said the organisation would be willing to explore the possibility.

Why is India being considered?

India is one of cricket's largest commercial and fan markets, making it an attractive destination for marquee international fixtures.

Would the match be part of the Ashes?

No. The discussion relates to a potential standalone exhibition Test rather than an official Ashes series match.

What approvals would be required?

Any such proposal would need approval from Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

When is the next Ashes series?

England is scheduled to host the next Ashes series in 2027.