Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s illustrious careers are nearing their end. The modern-day greats will, in all likelihood, hang up their boots after the ODI World Cup 2027. The cricket community basically has 18 months to celebrate them before they bid adieu.
Cricket boards of New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Ireland realise this. That’s why they’ve requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to either add more ODI matches for the upcoming tours, since it’s the only format Rohit and Kohli now feature in.
Ireland & Sri Lanka request to convert T20Is to ODIs
According to the Indian Express, Cricket Ireland and the BCCI are in talks to finalise the schedule for their upcoming tour. Team India will play England in July, and during the same time, the Men in Blue are also expected to play Ireland. The series could take place in Southampton or Ireland.
Cricket Ireland is pushing for an ODI series at either the start or end of July. The BCCI hasn’t accepted the demand just yet. But if not ODIs, then a 3-match T20I series will be played.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had previously revealed that India would play 2 T20Is in August. It was a goodwill gesture from BCCI to raise funds for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah in 2025. But now, the SLC is pushing for 3 ODIs because it could be the last time Rohit and Kohli will travel to Sri Lanka as international cricketers.
New Zealand wants to add more ODIs
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had originally played 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20Is. But knowing Team India won’t likely tour for the next 5 years, they’ve decided to flip the number of white-ball matches. This decision was made earlier this month. The BCCI has accepted the demand, since Team India needs to prepare for the ODI World Cup.
Team India’s ODI schedule for 2026-27 season
| Opposition | Matches | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 3 | June 14-20 | Home |
| England | 3 | July 14-19 | Away |
| West Indies | 3 | September-October | Home |
| New Zealand | 5 | November | Away |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | December | Home |
Cricket
Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma effect: BCCI requested to add more ODIs for 2026-27 season
