The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed plans to introduce a World Club Championship and other new international multilateral tournaments until at least 2031, due to opposition from England, Australia, and India. Following several months of informal talks between the ICC and member boards, a recent cricket operations workshop in Dubai concluded without any proposals for additional events.

As a result, the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2027-2031 cycle is expected to largely replicate the current schedule. The only prospective adjustment is the expansion of the World Test Championship (WTC) format to include 12 teams starting next year, incorporating Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. Final details on this change have yet to be announced.

Despite the delay, the ICC remains interested in developing new competitions, a stance that may heighten tensions with the so-called Big Three—England, Australia, and India—although India stands somewhat apart as it accounts for approximately 70% of cricket’s global revenue. The ICC had proposed several innovative tournament concepts for consideration, including a World Club Championship and four-team T20 series for international sides to be played during additional scheduling windows. These quadrangular events would replace the triangular format, which has seen a decline in popularity in recent years.

However, England, Australia, and India have expressed strong resistance to any calendar expansion. They argue that accommodating new tournaments is not feasible without removing established events such as the World Cups or the Champions Trophy—though no formal discussions about eliminating these existing fixtures have taken place. A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed there is little enthusiasm for adding new events among the Big Three.

Separately, England is scheduled to tour Pakistan later this month for a series that will also feature Sri Lanka, continuing the use of triangular formats despite their waning appeal.

In summary, while the ICC remains open to exploring fresh tournament formats geared toward increasing international cricket’s appeal, the current consensus within key member boards effectively stalls the introduction of major new competitions through the next FTP cycle.