India’s upcoming international cricket calendar could witness significant changes as demand grows worldwide to see star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
With the two former Indian captains now focusing primarily on the 50-over format after stepping away from Test and T20I cricket, several cricket boards have reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requesting more ODI matches during India’s overseas tours.
Rising demand for ODI matches
According to reports, the next 18 months will see India placing increased emphasis on ODI cricket as preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 begins.
The presence of global icons like Kohli and Rohit has also made ODI fixtures commercially attractive, prompting host boards to push for additional matches when India tours their countries.
Possible ODIs during England tour
During India’s upcoming tour of England, the team is scheduled to play white-ball matches alongside the main series. While the format of some fixtures is yet to be finalized, reports suggest that three games against Ireland national cricket team during the England tour could potentially be played as ODIs.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board has reportedly requested more ODI games when India tours England in June. The current schedule includes three ODIs and five T20Is.
Sri Lanka series may also include ODIs
India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August may also see changes. While the initial expectation was a short T20I series, Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly asked for ODI matches instead.
The tour is expected to include additional white-ball games aimed at raising funds for flood relief in the country.
Reports also suggest that Sri Lanka’s cricket board has requested a pink-ball Test at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club Ground during the two-match Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Five-match ODI series in New Zealand
Later in the season, India will travel to face the New Zealand national cricket team in a full bilateral series. According to reports, New Zealand Cricket requested the addition of two extra ODIs — a proposal that has reportedly been accepted.
This means India could play a five-match ODI series in New Zealand for the first time in seven years, along with five T20Is and two Test matches.
Upcoming ODI assignments
Before these tours, India’s immediate ODI engagement will be a three-match home series against the Afghanistan national cricket team.
Later in the year, the Men in Blue are also scheduled to host ODI series against the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team.
As India builds momentum toward the 2027 World Cup, the growing international demand to watch Kohli and Rohit in the ODI format could lead to a busier schedule in the coming months.
