In a significant move to bolster women's cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Women's Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2025-2029 cycle. A highlight of this announcement is India's scheduled home series against cricketing powerhouses England and Australia, underscoring the nation's commitment to advancing women's cricket on the global stage. ?

Emphasis on Test Matches and Bilateral Series

The newly announced FTP places a strong emphasis on Test matches and bilateral series, aiming to enhance the prominence of women's cricket worldwide. This strategic focus is designed to provide more competitive opportunities and elevate the standard of the women's game.

India's Home Fixtures

As part of this initiative, India is set to host several high-profile series:?

  • England: The Indian women's team will welcome England for a bilateral series, featuring multiple formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). ?

  • Australia: Similarly, Australia will tour India for a comprehensive series encompassing all three formats, providing fans with thrilling encounters between two of the top teams in women's cricket. ?

These series are anticipated to not only showcase high-quality cricket but also inspire a new generation of female cricketers in India and around the world.?

Strategic Scheduling and Franchise Leagues

The FTP also takes into account the growing prominence of women's franchise leagues. Structured windows have been allocated for major tournaments such as the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India, The Hundred in England, and the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia. This scheduling ensures that international fixtures do not clash with these leagues, allowing players to participate fully and fans to enjoy uninterrupted cricketing action.

Global Tours and Competitive Opportunities

Beyond hosting England and Australia, the Indian women's team will embark on tours to various countries, including New Zealand, West Indies, Ireland, and South Africa. Each member nation is slated to play four home and four away series during this FTP cycle, promoting balanced competition and fostering international camaraderie. 

Revival of Test Cricket

A notable aspect of the 2025-2029 FTP is the revival and increased scheduling of women's Test matches. Starting from 2026, the calendar will feature four Test matches annually, marking a significant uptick in the longest format of the women's game. This development is poised to enrich the cricketing experience for players and fans alike, bringing a renewed focus to the traditional format.

Conclusion

The ICC's announcement of the Women's Future Tours Programme for 2025-2029, with India hosting marquee series against England and Australia, signifies a monumental step forward for women's cricket. By emphasizing Test matches and bilateral series, the FTP aims to elevate the global stature of the women's game, providing a robust platform for competition and growth in the coming years.