Ashes in India? Cricket Australia Floats Historic Possibility

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has said he is open to the possibility of staging an Ashes Test in India, suggesting cricket's traditional powerhouses should consider new ways to grow the longest format.

While Greenberg stressed there are no current plans to move an Ashes match overseas, he said the idea would be worth considering given the strong relationships between Cricket Australia (CA), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

What did Cricket Australia say?

Speaking on the BBC's Stumped podcast, Greenberg said Cricket Australia would not rule out taking one of the sport's biggest rivalries to India.

"Our relationship with the ECB but also the BCCI is very strong, and clearly there are opportunities

in India to put more content into certain areas," Greenberg said.

"It's not something we're currently planning, but it would be certainly open to consideration. "

He added that Test cricket involving Australia, England and India continues to remain commercially strong.

"I think Test cricket between us, England and India is still very strong, probably bucking the trend as to other parts of the world. So we want to make sure we continue to grow it and strengthen it. "

Has an Ashes Test ever been played outside England or Australia?

No.

Since the first Ashes series in 1882-83, every men's Ashes Test has been played either in England or Australia.

An Ashes Test in India would mark the first time the historic rivalry is contested at a neutral venue.

Why is India being discussed?

The comments come at a time when cricket boards are exploring new commercial opportunities and overseas events.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the Big Bash League (BBL) will make its India debut later this year, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium set to host the season opener between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers.

India is the world's largest cricket market, and staging marquee events there could help attract new audiences and generate additional revenue for the game.

What are the challenges?

Greenberg acknowledged that finding room in the international calendar would be the biggest obstacle.

"The challenge for all of us in global cricket is there's only 365 days in a schedule and we probably need another month or two to generate some of the content that we're trying to. "

With bilateral commitments, ICC tournaments and franchise leagues occupying much of the calendar, scheduling even a one-off neutral-venue Test would be difficult.

When is the next Ashes?

The fixtures for the 2027 men's and women's Ashes were announced on Thursday.

For the first time, both series will run concurrently in England, alongside the inaugural Mixed Disability Ashes, creating a festival-style celebration of the rivalry.

While an Ashes Test in India remains only a possibility at this stage, Greenberg's comments indicate that cricket's administrators are increasingly willing to explore unconventional ideas as they look to expand the reach of Test cricket.