BCCI's new FTP proposal explained
The BCCI's new Future Tours Programme (FTP), if approved by ICC, will see India playing 81 home matches between 2019 and 2013 as opposed to 51 in the current 2015-19 cycle. Further, India will play more than half of their games against Australia, England, and South Africa, ushering in the 'Big Four' era. Let's look at what else does the FTP include.
Fewer Tests, more T20Is, and less working days for players
As per the FTP proposal, during the next cycle (2019-2023), India will play fewer Tests and more T20Is. Despite the increase in number of home games, the men in blue will have a lesser work load with total number of playing days coming down to 306 from the current 390. This, however, excludes the 2021 ICC Champions Trophy and 2023 World Cup.
Two home seasons with emphasis on primary season
It has been understood that India will look to have two home seasons- primary season from Oct-Dec, and secondary season from Jan-March. According to BCCI's acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary, "We have tried to make sure that our home matches fall in our primary season firstly, and otherwise secondary. The reasons mostly being that you will attract more home crowd during primary season."
FTP aimed at increased revenue, broadcasters' & fans interest
The FTP proposal ensures an increased number of shorter format games at home, meaning more eye balls, translating to greater revenue. This also means that the fans have many more matches to enjoy and at the same time the broadcasters' interests are taken care of in the process from the ensuing ads. A win-win situation for everyone involved.
BCCI snubs Pakistan yet again
The proposal once again doesn't include matches against Pakistan outside of the ICC scheduled events, something the Pakistan Cricket Board has challenged.
