Sri Lanka Cricket is lobbying for a significantly greater share of Test matches against India, England and Australia as discussions intensify over a revamp of the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Programme (FTP), sources close to the board indicate.
Chasing the Big Fixtures
The island nation's cricket administrators are making a strong case for more bilateral Test series against the sport's three most powerful and commercially lucrative nations. Securing additional fixtures against India, England and Australia would represent a major boost not only for Sri Lanka's cricketing development but also for the financial health of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Test cricket against the so-called "Big Three" commands significantly higher broadcast revenues and gate receipts compared to matches against lower-ranked nations, making such fixtures highly sought after by boards across the cricketing world.
Why the FTP Revamp Matters
The Future Tours Programme is the backbone of international cricket scheduling, mapping out bilateral series between member nations across a set cycle. A revision to the programme presents a rare and critical window for boards like Sri Lanka's to negotiate more favourable schedules.
For Sri Lanka, increased exposure to top-ranked Test sides would also serve a dual purpose — strengthening the team's competitive edge while generating the financial resources needed to invest in domestic cricket infrastructure and player development.
A Broader Ambition
Sri Lanka's push reflects a growing ambition within the board to elevate the country's standing in world cricket. The national team has shown considerable promise in recent years, and regular high-profile Test series would provide the ideal platform for emerging Sri Lankan talent to be tested at the highest level.
Negotiations over the next FTP cycle are expected to continue in the coming months, with several boards competing to secure the most attractive fixtures on the international calendar. Sri Lanka Cricket's success in these discussions could prove transformative for the long-term future of the game on the island.
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Honestly if we cant win at home whats the point of more tests.
About time. We need proper test cricket not just Asia Cup nonsense.
But will India even agree? They dont need us, we need them.