The BCCI is set to make key decisions regarding the Women’s ODI World Cup and other crucial matters at its Apex Council emergent meeting in Kolkata on March 22. This meeting will take place just before the IPL opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens.
Among the primary agenda items is the formation of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and finalizing the venues for the ICC event, which is scheduled for October. The BCCI last hosted a Women’s ODI World Cup in 2013, and India, having reached the final twice, will be aiming to secure their first title on home soil.
In addition to the World Cup discussions, the Apex Council will finalize the structure for the 2025-26 domestic season. As part of the home schedule, India is set to host Test series against West Indies and South Africa, with members expected to determine the venues for these matches.
Another critical issue on the agenda is the approval of changes in signatories for BCCI-operated bank accounts, following the appointment of a new set of office-bearers.
Furthermore, the BCCI will address sponsorship regulations in light of recent government directives. The health ministry has instructed the board to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol promotions, including surrogate advertising, during the IPL, which begins on March 22. The Apex Council will deliberate on sponsorship deals involving tobacco and cryptocurrency, as listed in item No.9 of the agenda: “Discussion regarding sponsorship from tobacco and crypto brands.”
With several significant decisions to be made, this meeting will be pivotal for shaping India’s cricketing landscape in both international and domestic formats.
