One of the key attractions of the 2023–2027 ICC Men's FTP cycle, which was revealed on Wednesday, is the two sets of five-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in each of the forthcoming cycles of the ICC World Test Championship.
In contrast to the current cycle's 694 international games, the 12 member countries will play a total of 777 international games in the 2023–2027 FTP cycle—173 Tests, 281 ODIs, and 323 T20Is.
The 2023–25 cycle of the WTC will see Australia host India for a five-match series, and the 2025–27 cycle will see a reciprocal visit. The two teams will square off in a five-match Test series for the first time in almost 30 years.
In the third and fourth editions of the WTC, which also includes 19 two-match series and five three-match series per edition in the Championship that runs from 2023–25 and 2025–27, Australia, England, and India all play five-match Test series.
Additionally, England, Australia, and India will each appear in the most Test matches during the cycle with 22, 21, and 20 games in the game's longest format, respectively.
Afghanistan will visit India for one Test match in June 2026. Three ODIs will also be played between the two teams in that particular series. India is also scheduled to play three away T20Is against Afghanistan later in the year.
After the 2023 IPL, India will play 38 Test matches in the 2023–27 WTC cycles, 20 of which will be against both England and Australia combined. India will host New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh during the 2023–25 WTC cycle, while travelling to face Australia, the West Indies, and South Africa.
India will host Australia, the West Indies, and South Africa during the 2025–2027 WTC cycle while travelling to face New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. India only plays two Tests against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh between 2023 and 2027, and does not play Pakistan in any of the WTC cycles stated above.
"I'd like to express my gratitude to our Members for their contributions to the creation of this FTP for the upcoming four years. We are tremendously fortunate to have three exciting game formats, an exceptional schedule of ICC international competitions, and strong bilateral and domestic cricket. This FTP is intended to promote the growth of all forms of cricket."
"We will collaborate closely with Members to adapt to the game's environment as it continues to change. We are dedicated to developing the sport and expanding fan chances to enjoy cricket, but we are extremely aware of the need to strike a balance between that goal and the wellbeing of the players "Wasim Khan, the GM of Cricket for the ICC, stated.
In an effort to increase playing possibilities in cricket's conventional multi-day format, Test teams outside of the WTC have also arranged a sizable number of bilateral Test matches. Five significant ICC tournaments are also included in the upcoming cycle of the FTP, beginning with the Men's Cricket World Cup in India in 2019.
The Men's T20 World Cup will be held in 2024 in the West Indies and the United States, and will be followed by the Champions Trophy's return in 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan. The Men's T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, and the Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be held by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027, will wrap up the FTP cycle.