Sri Lanka Cricket interim committee chairman Eran Wickramaratne has called for a rejigging of the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP) to allow the island nation to play more Test matches against leading teams such as India, England and Australia. His remarks come as Sri Lanka Cricket prepares for a packed international schedule, and as the board implements reforms aimed at improving governance and financial stability.

Sri Lanka returned to Test cricket in June-July after a year-long gap, playing a two-match series against the West Indies. The team is currently engaged in a two-Test series against India. According to reports, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play six more Tests this year – two each against Pakistan and New Zealand away from home, followed by a two-match home series against South Africa. This brings the total to 10 Tests in the calendar year, despite very little red-ball cricket in the first half.

"I think it's the international calendar which is causing this issue of us not playing enough Tests, and this is the format we want to do well," Wickramaratne told select media, as quoted by both India Today and The Hindu. "But the tours are determined by the FTP and we're hoping to have more tours with India in the next (World Test Championship) cycle."

"We've heard that we'll have a few more (tours) in the next cycle so we're keeping our fingers crossed. But obviously India, England, Australia are the teams that the entire world is looking at playing and I think we want to make sure that we get tours from those countries," he added.

Wickramaratne emphasized the need for a more balanced international schedule. "Yes, we need a balance and now we are scheduled to play 10 Test matches whereas we've played hardly anything this year," he said. "So, I think we need to rework our FTP."

He also pointed to the congestion in the cricket calendar, blaming limited-overs formats. "I think it's the T20 and 50-over cricket which has congested the calendar in a sense," Wickramaratne acknowledged. "But we want to play India because the truth is we depend a lot on India, and they are also the financial power in cricket," he reasoned.

The chairman also referenced recent engagements with ICC president Jay Shah and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. "I had a conversation with Jay Shah and recently we had a visit from BCCI's Devajit Saikia," he stated. "We want to make sure that we work together in building cricket here and across the world. We need their support." He pointed out that India is stuck with a tight calendar and struggles to come to Sri Lanka.

Background and Context

Sri Lanka Cricket's push for more Test cricket comes amid broader administrative reforms. A nine-member interim committee, including former international cricketers and opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne, was formed to recommend governance changes. One report from Deccan Herald highlights Sri Lanka's leveraging of shared Buddhist heritage and diplomatic ties with India to strengthen cricket relations. However more than one outlet covered the board's need for fairness in the international schedule and its financial dependence on India.

The interim committee's recommendations align with ICC principles, according to Deccan Herald, and mirror reforms implemented in other boards, including India's Lodha Commission – a view attributed in that report. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sidath Wettimuny, a member of the committee, has underlined the effort to bring transparency into SLC. According to comments carried by The Hindu and dates Today, "Like India had the Lodha commission, other boards in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia did make some changes" by introducing independent directors, not all elected, to ensure accountability, transparency and visibility.

Different Perspectives

Eran Wickramaratne, chairman of the interim committee: Argues the current FTP prevents Sri Lanka from playing enough Tests, especially against popular teams. He stresses the need for India's support and acknowledges the financial dynamics that make India a key partner.

Sidath Wettimuny, former Sri Lankan cricketer: Emphasizes governance reform as equally important, suggesting independent directors and constitutional changes similar to those adopted elsewhere will help rebuild trust and ensure the board's credibility.

Together these two themes — the demand for a rejigged FTP and the institutional reforms within SLC — are central to Sri Lanka's efforts to secure a stronger position in the international cricket world.