IPL window extended, ECB and CA attain built in windows for the Hundred and BBL

ICC’s latest Futures Tour Programme (FTP) draft has set out the schedule for International cricket played by the 12 members from 2023-27. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) window has earned a two-week window extension.

Due to the addition of two new franchises, the IPL will now have a window from late March to the first week of June. The BCCI has also planned to increase the number of matches in the IPL in the coming years, which calls for a longer window.

ECB and CA schedules relaxed

Similarly, even the English Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have relaxed their schedule to accommodate the Hundred and Big Bash, respectively. Unlike India, the aforementioned boards have not prioritised their domestic leagues over International cricket in the prior years.

However, according to the new draft, for every English summer, there will be a three-week window where the focus will only be on domestic leagues. This will allow reputed English players to compete in these leagues, which will in turn contribute to the popularity of the same.

For instance, there was huge resentment among the counties this season, as several stars were missing the T20 Blast Finals Day due to International commitments. 

Cricket Australia (CA) have also opted to keep the first month of the year free of any International cricket. This has been proposed in order to encourage Australian players to take part in the KFC Big Bash League (BBL). 

Bangladesh have also cleared the January schedule for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has received a window for August-September for the 2023-27 cycle of the FTP.

The main focus of the new draft is to promote T20 tournaments, by making sure that the star players are able to compete in their respective home leagues.