Cricket Australia open to considering Ashes Test in India for 150th anniversary
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has indicated that the board is open to exploring the possibility of hosting the 150th anniversary Ashes Test in India. This consideration highlights the increasing importance of the Indian market in the global cricket landscape.
Australia and England are scheduled to play a one-off Test in March next year to commemorate 150 years of the historic Ashes rivalry. While current plans do not involve moving the match outside Australia, Greenberg acknowledged that the idea of holding it in India could be considered for the future.
Expanding Cricket Australia’s Presence in India
Greenberg’s comments align with Cricket Australia’s efforts to expand its reach in India. This December, the Big Bash League is set to stage a match in Chennai, where Melbourne Renegades will play against Perth Scorchers. This event marks a step towards bringing Australian cricket closer to Indian fans.
The prospect of an Ashes Test in India also underscores the commercial importance of the country’s cricket market. India represents the sport’s largest audience, and hosting a significant contest between Australia and England would generate considerable interest and new commercial opportunities.
Greenberg stated that Cricket Australia would not dismiss the idea, citing strong relationships with both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He mentioned that there are opportunities in India to introduce more content into certain areas.
The influence of India on the global cricket economy has continued to grow. The ECB, for example, is expected to report substantial profits from the eight white-ball internationals it recently hosted against India. These financial returns are anticipated to exceed what the board expects from staging both the men’s and women’s Ashes series next year.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Despite his openness to the proposal, Greenberg acknowledged that scheduling a five-day Ashes Test in India would present challenges. The Indian cricket calendar is already busy with international matches and the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is expected to start earlier next year to avoid extreme heat.
Finding a suitable window for another major event would therefore be a significant hurdle. Greenberg noted that Test cricket involving Australia, England, and India remains strong, potentially defying trends seen in other parts of the world. He emphasized the desire to continue growing and strengthening the format.
Greenberg also addressed the decision to stage the 150th anniversary Test against England under lights. This match will be the first men’s Test at the venue to use a pink ball. He defended this choice by stating that it aims to attract more attendees, especially given work and school schedules during the day.
He added that there is a commercial imperative related to broadcast rights in the UK and time zones, with pink-ball Tests offering significant audience advantages. While this might upset some traditionalists, Greenberg highlighted the goal of increasing viewership for the game.
Cricket Australia is attempting to balance celebrating a significant milestone in Test cricket history with an eye on the future evolution of the sport. Preparations for the match are expected to result in a pitch that offers a better spectacle than the one used in the previous Ashes Test at the MCG.
Greenberg indicated that the intention is for the pitch to be flatter and have less grass. He also noted that Cricket Australia has a good record in pink-ball Tests, and this upcoming match aims to continue that trend.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Menon 