It is understood the government is in the final stages of negotiations to host the Sydney Thunder in a Big Bash match in Canberra this summer, which could double as the first game on the new Manuka Oval surface.

Cricket ACT and the government are keen to secure the long term future of international cricket in the capital with the five-week redevelopment expected to begin in late November.

Director of Venues Canberra Liz Clarke confirmed the Prime Minister's XI clash against England at Manuka Oval on February 2 will not be affected.

Cricket Australia struck a four-year deal with the government for the national team to play in Canberra every summer until a historic first Test against Sri Lanka in 2018-19.

However, Manuka Oval was left off the 2017-18 international calendar and talks began to secure a suitable replacement.

AFL side GWS Giants have successfully expanded into Canberra's sporting market and the Thunder have expressed an interest in following a similar blueprint.

The Big Bash will expand by eight matches next season, giving each club an extra home game, and the Thunder are expected to host its additional fixture in Canberra.

Manuka Oval sold out its only Big Bash game to date, the 2014-15 final when the Perth Scorchers downed the Sydney Sixers in a final-ball thriller.

Cricket ACT boss Cameron French is confident Big Bash action will return to the capital after the PM XI's fixture made a successful transition to Twenty20 in February.

French said turf has a typical lifespan of four to seven years and that it was important to get on the front foot at Manuka to secure future international events.

"We're resurfacing Manuka to ensure we have the best quality surface not just for the Test, but future events. Like potentially hosting World Twenty20 games," French said.

Clarke confirmed the turf upgrade will be funded internally and acknowledged with procurement yet to begin the $250,000 price tag is a minimum.

Manuka Oval was last resurfaced in 2013 when the grounds underwent a major $4 million redevelopment, but Clarke said upcoming work was "nowhere near" as substantial.

"That was a huge development in 2013 with reprofiling of the surface, this is just the standard package that needs to be done every five or six years," Clarke said.

"We're probably bringing it in a bit earlier but we're targeting those future events and we have a window of opportunity to get the surface done in December for around $250,000.

"For the Test it's very important we have a world class surface but it's also to ensure the AFL matches are play on good surfaces, as well and PM's XI.

"Every oval has to do something like this and it will happen at Canberra Stadium in the next few years. It's really good for sport in Canberra to ensure we've got a quality surfaces."