Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Todd Greenberg has kept the door open to hosting the prestigious Ashes Test series in India. During a recent interview, the Australian cricket executive mentioned that since CA is having good relations with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), they have no problem in hosting the Ashes on Indian soil.
The Ashes is one of the most famous sporting rivalries around the world. Like India and Pakistan, the rivalry between Australia and England has held special significance in cricket since 1882. Currently, CA and ECB share the rights to organize a 5-match Test series every four years.
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Whether Ashes matches are held in England or on the land of Kangaroos, this tradition has remained intact for centuries. In modern cricket, where the game is evolving in a way, and there are discussions on reviving the oldest, longest format of the game, the historic Ashes is also surrounded by the air of the new era.
Recently, CA has taken several steps with its T20 franchise league, the Big Bash League (BBL). The inaugural match of the 2026 Big Bash League is scheduled to be held in Chennai, India. CA also proposed that all BBL franchises think about privatization of their respective shares to evaluate the market values. The country’s cricket governing body is doing all this to improve its financial condition while addressing the global audience.
Why does Cricket Australia need to host the Ashes outside Australia and England?
By securing BBL matches in India, CA has made it clear that they desire to attract the Indian market, which is known for its love for cricket.
While there is momentum in Twenty20 cricket, Test cricket saw a lack of interest and empty seats at many venues. Since CA’s interest in the Indian cricket market is clear, should they consider the Ashes in India in the future?
Todd Greenberg responded by saying that he is willing to explore all possible options given his relationship with the ECB and BCCI.
“We have to be prepared to consider all options,” Greenberg told BBC Sport in a recent interview.
“We have a very strong relationship with the ECB as well as the BCCI. And obviously, there are opportunities to put more content in certain areas in India. It’s not something we are planning on currently, but it would certainly be open to consideration.”
Todd Greenberg acknowledged the importance of India in cricket
Greenberg said Test cricket between Australia, England and India could still prove influential on the field as these three teams have the potential to attract attention from parts of the world. So, for them, the Ashes in India is not completely impossible but not on their bucket list at the moment.
“I think Test cricket between us, England and India is still very strong, probably the trend is similar to other parts of the world. So we want to make sure we continue to grow and strengthen that,” he said.
