Cricket Australia Open to Hosting an Ashes Test Match in India

According to information gathered by Cricbites, Cricket Australia (CA) will consider the option of hosting a Test match in India as part of the Ashes series. Although the Ashes series has always been played in Australia and England, Greenberg said the idea should be considered as long as it helps grow the game worldwide.

The proposal has generated significant interest among cricket fans, especially in India, where Test cricket enjoys heavy support.

Cricket Australia leaves the door open

Speaking about the possibility, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said the board is open to discussing the idea of hosting an Ashes Test in India. However, he clarified that no formal discussions have taken place with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Greenberg acknowledged CA’s excellent relationship with both cricket boards and suggested that it should always look for unique opportunities if it benefits the game.

Why India?

India has become a commercial powerhouse of world cricket. The huge television audience and supporters make it one of the most attractive destinations. An Ashes series in India is likely to attract huge global attention while introducing one of Test cricket’s biggest rivals. Greenberg believes that Test cricket, which involves Australia, England and India, is the format’s biggest draw worldwide.

Scheduling remains the biggest hurdle

However, Greenberg acknowledged that the international calendar is already crowded. With bilateral series, ICC tournaments, franchise leagues and the World Test Championship all competing for space, it will be difficult to find a suitable window for an additional Ashes Test.

Could the 150th anniversary Test be moved?

The discussion comes as Australia prepares to host a special 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027. The historic pink ball Test has already been confirmed and will celebrate 150 years since the first Test match.

There are currently no plans to move that match to India. Instead, the comments suggest that a future independent Ashes Test could be explored outside Australia or England if all stakeholders agree.

What would it mean for cricket?

If an Ashes Test were ever played in India, it would mark one of the biggest changes in the rivalry’s 140-plus-year history.

Potential benefits include:

Global reach of Ashes branding.
Commercial benefit for all three cricket boards.
Unique experience for Indian cricket fans.
Another major event to promote Test cricket worldwide.

Yet, traditionalists may oppose the move. They’d argue that the Ashes should remain only to Australia and England.

Conclusion

Cricket Australia has not proposed moving the Ashes away from its traditional home. But Greenberg’s comments suggest the board is open to considering new ideas for the future. An Ashes Test in India is only a possibility at this stage. However, the idea reflects India’s growing influence in world cricket.

For now, the 150th anniversary Test will be played at the MCG in 2027. There have been no official talks about an Indian venue. However, if the global cricket calendar allows, fans could one day see one of the game’s biggest rivalries played on Indian soil.

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