Sangakkara wants balanced FTP

Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, has called for a more equitable distribution of Tests in the new Future Tours Program (FTP) that will govern the international calendar post 2012. Sri Lanka had only two Tests scheduled in 2010 - a home series against West Indies - until a three-Test series was arranged against India a few months ago.

"All sides should have an equal opportunity to play Tests," Sangakkara told AFP. "We are lucky India are touring us, but the opportunity for Sri Lankan players to fulfil their Test dreams are getting more and more limited."

Sri Lanka have not played a Test series outside Asia since the tour of Australia in 2007. They have not been to South Africa for a Test tour since 2002 and the Tests in England in 2011 will be their first there in five years. Sri Lanka's lack of foreign opportunities is highlighted by the fact that Mahela Jayawardene has played only four Tests in Australia in a 13-year career.

"The FTP must be drawn up in a way that some of the best sides tour more than just once in five years," Sangakkara said. "They should be meaningful tours that also make economic sense."

There have been plenty of requests from players and coaches for an IPL window in the international calendar, something Sangakkara also asked for. "We need a proper FTP to avoid players having to choose between their country and commercial interests. A proper FTP will focus on competitive tours, on nations competing with each other, ultimately making it attractive for consumers."