BCCI considering extra ODIs for India ahead of 2027 WC
13 Mar 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering requests from several overseas cricket boards to add more One Day Internationals (ODIs) to India's schedule ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, according to a Indian Express report.

The boards from England, New Zealand, Ireland and Sri Lanka have all expressed interest in additional ODIs during India's tours.

Increased ODI demand due to Kohli and Sharma's star power
Star power

The growing demand for ODIs can be attributed to the star power of Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Both players are currently limited to the ODI format, making it a major draw for fans overseas.

This trend is especially evident overseas, where T20I matches are usually considered the main attraction due to their crowd-pulling capacity and more cricket action.

Potential series with Ireland in the summer
Series negotiations

Cricket Ireland is reportedly looking to finalize a three-match series against India during the summer months.

The matches could be played before or after India's white-ball tour in England.

However, it remains unclear if these games will be ODIs or T20Is and whether they will take place in Ireland or at an English venue like Southampton.

Changes expected in India's tour of England
Schedule adjustments

The upcoming series against England is slated to feature three ODIs and five T20Is.

However, given that this could be the last tour for Sharma and Kohli in their long careers, there could be some changes in the schedule.

It remains uncertain if these adjustments would lead to two extra ODIs for a total of 10 games or replace two T20Is instead.

Additional white-ball games anticipated in Sri Lanka
Tour discussions

India is also scheduled to play a two-Test series in Sri Lanka in August, with one match likely being a day-night fixture at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is in talks with BCCI to add white-ball games to this tour as well.

This comes after an originally-planned series earlier this year was postponed.

Coach Gautam Gambhir emphasizes need for more ODIs
Upcoming fixtures

With uncertainty looming over series in Bangladesh and against Afghanistan in the UAE during the late summer months, India might be looking for extra matches during this period.

Coach Gautam Gambhir had stressed on the need for more ODI experience after a shocking home series defeat to New Zealand.

This highlights how understanding the pace and flow of an ODI game is crucial for team preparation.

Busy schedule for India with NZ tour on the horizon
End-of-year tour

India's 2026 schedule also includes an all-format tour of New Zealand, their first Test cricket visit in over six years.

Currently, the itinerary includes two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. However, New Zealand Cricket has expressed interest in adding two more ODIs to the schedule.

This would make for a busy end to the year for the men in blue as they prepare for the World Cup.