BCCI seeks player rest and acclimatization in 2027-31 FTP cycle

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pushing for structural changes to the international cricket calendar to prioritize player welfare. The board will send an operations team to a Future Tours Programme (FTP) workshop in Dubai on September 22-23 to discuss scheduling for the 2027-31 cycle.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board has instructed personnel to ensure schedules allow for proper rest and acclimatization. Specifically, the board wants to include friendly matches or dedicated windows before major series in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries to mitigate the impact of grueling schedules.

The push for reform follows a series of injuries to key Indian players, including Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Saikia noted that the high volume of matches is a primary driver for these proposed measures. The upcoming FTP cycle will include major events such as the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the 2029 Champions Trophy in India, and the 2031 ODI World Cup co-hosted by India and Bangladesh.