The $250 million deal with JioStar to broadcast the Border-Gavaskar series into India will not return a large chunk of its cash until India return for white-ball matches this summer ahead of the Ashes.

England’s visit is set to be broadcast by TNT Sports in the UK, but on a one-year deal for less money than CA wanted to reap from the British market amid little competitive tension in the broadcast market given Sky’s lack of interest in the rights.

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CA is under pressure from its state association owners to find cost savings to ensure that every last available dollar is distributed to the states: $117 million was dispersed to the states and territories in 2024.

Greenberg and Baird, meanwhile, are due to fly to Singapore this week to take part in the International Cricket Council’s annual conference. It’s the first to be overseen by its new Indian chair Jay Shah and his recently appointed chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, the former head of sports at JioStar.

Chief among the issues at stake in Singapore will be how the calendar will be reshaped after 2027, when the current future tours program expires. Cricket’s “big three” of India, England and Australia have already signed off on bilateral touring agreements with each other until 2031.

But the rapid growth of T20 leagues and the prospect of more – including a possible Saudi Arabia league and also a mooted return of the T20 Champions League – are only creating more pressure on the system.

As first reported by this masthead, the concept of splitting Test cricket into two divisions will be among many options discussed in Singapore. A possible qualifying tournament for places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will also be on the agenda, after cricket’s inclusion with six-team competitions for men and women.

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