England Likely To Play Two More T20Is In West Indies Next Year: Report

England‘s tour of West Indies next year is reportedly set to be extended to include two additional T20Is between the two teams.  The Jos Buttler-led side are currently in the Caribbeans for three ODIs and five T20Is.

England will then welcome the West Indies in July next year for a three-match Test series before returning to the Caribbeans for three ODIs and as many T20Is. However, the tour could be extended in order to help the hosts make up for financial losses from the lack of a home Test series in the coming years.

According to a report in The Telegraph, England could play five T20Is against West Indies next year. The itinerary for next year’s tour is due to be discussed in the coming days. The report further stated that the relations between the two boards are strong, and the Caribbean tour continues to be one of the most popular tours among England cricketers and fans.

The traveling Barmy Army supporters are an important source of revenue for Cricket West Indies. When England visited the Caribbeans in 2019 for a multi-format series, Cricket West Indies had earned a combined $3.5 million in direct ticket sales, with the vast majority coming from England fans.

The main financial benefit, however, comes from the broadcasting rights in England. The news outlet reported that Cricket West Indies incurs financial losses when hosting countries other than England and India. In the current edition of the Future Tours Programme, which runs from 2023-27, West Indies is not scheduled to play any home Test matches against England.

England’s packed calendar:

West Indies will be hoping that England agree to play two more T20Is against them next year considering the latter’s jam-packed calendar. They are scheduled to tour Pakistan for three Tests in October, before playing three Tests in New Zealand from the end of November into December.  In early 2025, England will play three ODIs and five T20Is in India, before returning to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.