Great News for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's fans, as BCCI asked to add more ODIs ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup

India already has a packed cricket calendar for 2026, which could become busier as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considers requests from several cricket boards to add more One Day International (ODI) matches before the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Who asked the BCCI to increase the number of ODIs?

The Indian Express reported that cricket boards such as England, New Zealand, Ireland, and Sri Lanka have asked the BCCI to increase the number of ODIs during India’s overseas tours. These additional clashes could help those boards financially, as games involving India usually attract large crowds and strong television viewership.

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Great News for Rohit, Virat fans

While T20 Internationals are normally considered the biggest revenue generators because they are shorter and attract more fans, the situation may be slightly different when India is involved. Two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, now play only ODI cricket. Because of their popularity, ODI matches featuring India could still draw huge interest from fans around the world.

Cricket Ireland is currently trying to organise a three-match series against India during the summer. This series could take place around India’s white-ball tour of England. However, it is still unclear whether the matches will be ODIs or T20Is. Another question is whether the games will be played in Ireland or at a venue in England, such as Southampton.

India’s series against England is currently scheduled to include three ODIs and five T20Is. However, that plan could change. It might also be one of the last times Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the UK during their long careers, which could influence the final schedule. Officials are considering whether to add two more ODIs or replace some T20Is with ODI matches, but no final decision has been made yet.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also approached the BCCI about adding white-ball matches when India tour Sri Lanka in August. At the moment, the tour only includes two Test matches, with one of them possibly being a day-night Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Sri Lanka had originally planned a white-ball series with India earlier this year, but it had to be postponed.

Uncertainty around India’s possible series in Bangladesh and against Afghanistan in the UAE

There is also some uncertainty around India’s possible series in Bangladesh and against Afghanistan in the UAE later in the year. Because of this, India may be open to playing extra matches during that period. Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently said the team needs more experience in ODI cricket, especially after India suffered an unexpected home series defeat to New Zealand. According to him, the team needs to better understand the rhythm and strategy of the 50-over format.

New Zealand to host India

India are also scheduled to finish the year with a full tour of New Zealand. This will be their first Test tour there in more than six years. At present, the tour includes two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. However, New Zealand Cricket has requested two additional ODIs, which would make the tour even longer and busier for the Indian team.