The International Cricket Council has revisited plans to host eight events in its next eight-year cycle, with England, Australia and India reportedly opposed to it.

In October 2019, the ICC confirmed that there would be an extra global event. This despite objections from cricket’s ‘Big 3’, the most vocal of which was India. It is understood the trio also have New Zealand’s support.

They fear significant revenue losses from bilateral series, which could be curtailed due to an extra ICC event. The smaller boards are all in favour of an additional event, given that it boosts their coffers significantly.

However, the calendar looks post-2023 is now a point of discussion, whereas it was widely accepted that there would be eight ICC events in the cycle, ending 2031. Indeed, the game’s governing body has already went to tender for an eight-event cycle.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, ICC chairman Greg Barkely said:  ‘No. We haven’t really built the calendar of events. There’s a lot of conjecture around whether it should be eight events, seven events, six events or whatever. I honestly don’t have a preference. What I want to ensure is that whatever we do end up with gives us optimum cricketing outcomes.’

One ICC board member, speaking anonymously, said: ‘There was an analysis done around six months ago that showed little or no impact on bilateral cricket from playing eight ICC events instead of six. Following that, all countries have pretty much accepted that eight events will take place now and there was little challenge at the meeting the other day when the outline of eight events was presented.’