Wickramaratne Pushes for Change
Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee chairman Eran Wickramaratne has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its Future Tours Programme (FTP), arguing that Sri Lanka needs more opportunities to play Test cricket against the world’s leading teams.
Wickramaratne believes the current scheduling structure does not provide Sri Lanka with enough regular matches against major Test-playing nations. He has particularly highlighted India, England and Australia as teams Sri Lanka should face more frequently in the longest format.
Concern Over Test Opportunities
Sri Lanka’s recent Test schedule has underlined the issue. The island nation endured a year-long absence from Test cricket before returning to the format during a two-match series against the West Indies in June and July.
The extended gap has raised concerns about the development and competitiveness of Sri Lankan Test cricket. Regular matches are considered crucial for maintaining a strong Test squad, developing younger players and ensuring experienced cricketers remain accustomed to the demands of the format.
India Series Highlights Importance
Sri Lanka is currently engaged in a two-Test series against India, providing the team with another opportunity to compete against one of the strongest sides in international cricket.
For Wickramaratne, such contests should become a more regular feature of Sri Lanka’s international calendar. Matches against leading nations offer players valuable experience while also generating greater interest among supporters and strengthening the profile of Test cricket in the country.
Calls for Greater Balance
The interim chairman’s comments reflect a broader debate surrounding the ICC’s FTP and the distribution of Test cricket opportunities among full-member nations.
While the FTP is designed to provide structure to international cricket schedules, the volume of Test cricket played by different countries can vary considerably. Sri Lanka’s recent gap has demonstrated the difficulties teams can face when opportunities in the format become limited.
Wickramaratne’s proposal is therefore aimed at creating a more balanced schedule that would give Sri Lanka greater exposure to high-level Test competition.
Protecting Sri Lanka’s Test Future
Sri Lanka has traditionally been an important contributor to Test cricket, producing several generations of outstanding players and memorable performances. However, maintaining a competitive Test programme requires consistent opportunities against quality opposition.
More frequent series against India, England and Australia could help Sri Lanka strengthen its squad and prepare players for challenging international conditions. It could also provide younger cricketers with the experience needed to establish themselves at the highest level.
A Wider Challenge for Cricket
The discussion comes as international cricket continues to balance the traditional five-day format with the growing popularity of limited-overs competitions. Test cricket remains a key part of the sport’s history and identity, but its future depends heavily on ensuring nations have meaningful opportunities to compete.
Sri Lanka’s call for an FTP rethink could add momentum to discussions about how Test matches are scheduled and distributed.
For now, Sri Lanka will focus on its ongoing battle with India, while Wickramaratne’s proposal highlights a larger objective: securing a more consistent and competitive Test future for the island nation.