Its primary objective is to ensure that teams play each other regularly. Historically, the "Ten Year Plan" aimed for every team to play each other at least once at home and once away over a decade.
In the world of international cricket, the is the master schedule that governs the sport's calendar, ensuring a structured balance between bilateral series and major global events. This paper outlines the essential components and strategic importance of the current FTP cycle. Understanding the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) icc ftp
The FTP provides the necessary structure for major championships, such as the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), by designating which bilateral series contribute points toward the final. Its primary objective is to ensure that teams
The ICC has attempted to retrofit context onto the FTP, but each attempt has collapsed under the weight of commercial reality. The ODI Super League (2020-2023) was designed to guarantee 13 teams a minimum of 24 ODIs, providing a direct qualification path to the World Cup. It failed because the FTP could not enforce compliance. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia simply scheduled fewer ODIs, prioritizing T20 leagues. The league was scrapped after one cycle. This paper outlines the essential components and strategic
For national boards like the BCCI or Cricket Australia, a locked-in FTP allows for long-term planning of broadcast rights and sponsorships. The Current Men’s FTP Cycle (2023–2027)
Bilateral series between specific nations, most notably India and Pakistan, are often subject to government approval and may be excluded from the FTP despite high commercial demand.