India and Pakistan will not clash in any bilateral series in 2023-27 cycle, confirms Indian Cricket Board

India and Pakistan (Source: Twitter)

India is no longer involved in a bilateral series with Pakistan. Only major multi-team tournaments bring the two neighbouring countries together. It has now been confirmed that this will also be the case for the 2023-27 cycle. The board has left the columns for games against Pakistan blank in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) sent to all state associations.

The Indian Cricket Board cannot make a decision on a bilateral series with Pakistan until the Government of India gives its approval.

In addition to multi-nation tournaments, the Indian men's team will play 38 Tests (20 at home and 18 away), 42 ODIs (21 at home and 21 away), and 61 T20Is (31 at home and 30 away) during the 2023-2027 cycle.

Due to an Apex Cricket Council event every year and a larger dedicated window for the Indian T20 League (75-80 days every season), the number of bilateral matches India will play across formats has been reduced from the previous cycle (163 to 141).

In a circular, Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah stated that the quality of the competitions had improved. India will now play more frequently against Australia and England, with a Test or white-ball series scheduled each year (either home or away).

The number of home Test matches has gone up along with an optimum mix of quality opponents: Jay Shah

“However, the number of home Test matches has gone up along with an optimum mix of quality opponents across all three international formats. A regular IPL season along with a fixed home season also allows for ideal preparation against quality opponents in the right format going into ICC events,” he said.

“India will be playing 5-match Test series against both England and Australia on a home-and-away basis every two years i.e. one home series every four years. In addition, there will also be standalone tours (home and away) of 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is. Thus, India will play 5 Tests, 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is in the cycle (Home and Away) against Australia as well as England comprising one annual series (either red ball or white ball) every year in this cycle,” Shah added.