India to play more T20Is in future
Ever since its inception, T20 cricket has been very popular among fans. The rise in T20 leagues across the globe is a testament to that. Taking note of this, the BCCI now wants to increase the number of T20Is played by the Indian Cricket Team. Hence, in its new FTP (Future Tour Programme), BCCI has proposed that India will play three times more T20Is.
Matches will be evenly spread to manage workload
Despite the rise in the number of T20Is, the games have been evenly spread to relax the workload on the players. The new FTP, which is for 2019 and 2023, will not see a huge change in the number of Tests and ODIs.
158 matches in four-year FTP
Under the earlier FTP India had 36 Tests, 73 ODIs and 18 T20Is, a total of 127 games. Under the newly proposed FTP, India will play 37 Tests, 67 ODIs and 54 T20s, a total of 158 international fixtures. 85 of the 158 games will be played at home while the rest 73 will be played overseas.
Breakdown of the proposed FTP
2019-20: Home: 5 Tests, 11 ODIs, 10 T20s; Away: 4 Tests, 6 ODIs and 8 T20s. 2020-21: Home: 5 Tests, 6 ODIs, 6 T20s; Away: 4 Tests, 9 ODIs and 6 T20s. 2021-22: Home: 5 Tests, 6 ODIs, 9 T20s; Away: 8 Tests, 3 ODIs and 6 T20s. 2022-23: Home: 4 Tests, 15 ODIs, 3 T20s; Away: 2 Tests, 11 ODIs and 6 T20s
BCCI under pressure from broadcasters?
The new FTP is currently being presented at the BCCI's general body meet in New Delhi today. The increase in the number of T20Is is due to the pressure from the broadcasters. The BCCI has reportedly received the approval from ICC. BCCI had discussed the new FTP informally at the ICC meet in Singapore on December 7th and 8th.
