The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding its final Board and Committee meetings of 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, with franchise league regulations, governance reforms and the future of the World Test Championship (WTC) among the major issues under consideration.
The meetings began on November 11 and will continue through November 15, bringing together ICC Directors, Chief Executives and committee representatives to examine regulatory frameworks, international competition schedules and development priorities across the global game.
Eight ICC Committees are participating in the programme, which will conclude with meetings of the ICC and International Cricket Council Business Corporation (IBC) Boards.
Franchise league regulations and ICC governance under review
One of the most significant developments on the agenda is the presentation of initial recommendations from the Franchise League Review Group and Governance Review Committee, both established at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2026.
The Franchise League Review Group is examining the ICC’s existing sanctioning framework as franchise competitions continue to expand internationally. Its mandate is to identify potential improvements to regulations governing these leagues while addressing emerging challenges for the wider cricket ecosystem.
The Governance Review Committee, meanwhile, has been reviewing the ICC’s governance structure and is due to submit its first recommendations for consideration.
The two reviews place both the regulation of franchise cricket and the ICC’s own decision-making arrangements on the agenda as the governing body considers the sport’s longer-term development.
World Test Championship cycles and ICC event calendar
International scheduling is another major focus, with proposed World Test Championship matchups for the 2027–29 and 2029–31 cycles due to be discussed.
The ICC will also seek approval for scheduling windows covering its established major men’s events from 2028 through 2035, providing a longer-term framework for the international tournament calendar.
Qualification arrangements for upcoming ICC competitions are also under review. The ICC Development Committee has been working on pathways intended to make qualification more competitive and meaningful, particularly for emerging cricket nations.
Separately, the Task Force supporting Afghan refugee women cricketers is expected to present proposed next steps for the Development Pathway Programme to the ICC Board.
The ICC’s Decision Review System (DRS) Accreditation Programme is also scheduled for consideration by the Chief Executives’ Committee and the ICC Board.
Jay Shah addresses global cricket leadership
The Bali meetings have brought together representatives from across the ICC’s membership as the governing body considers priorities spanning international events, regulation and the development of cricket.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah said in an official ICC statement: “The ICC Board and Committee meetings demonstrate the strength of the ICC as the sport’s global governing body. Bringing together a diverse group of Directors and Chief Executives representing members from across the world provides an important opportunity to exchange perspectives, strengthen collaboration and shape the future of our sport. Through our shared vision and collaborative efforts, we remain committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable future for cricket worldwide.”
Indonesia’s cricket growth provides backdrop to Bali meetings
Indonesia is hosting the ICC’s leadership meetings following a period of increased international participation and investment in cricket infrastructure.
Its men’s national team played more T20 Internationals than any other country in 2025, while the senior women’s team made its Women’s Asia Cup debut in 2026. Indonesia’s Under-19 women’s team also qualified for the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time.
The country is developing new cricket facilities, including the Bali International Oval, which is scheduled to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in 2027.
Shah added: “Bringing the meetings to Bali is a significant occasion for cricket in Indonesia and reflects the growing ambitions of our sport in the country. With new cricket grounds coming up in Bali, alongside the continued efforts of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, there is clear momentum towards building a stronger foundation for the sport in this region. Hosting these meetings here provides a platform to recognise this progress, showcase Indonesia’s potential and further strengthen our commitment to supporting cricket’s development in emerging markets.”
Persatuan Cricket Indonesia Chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav welcomed the gathering, saying in the ICC statement: “On behalf of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, I thank Mr. Jay Shah for trusting Indonesia to host the ICC Board and Committee meetings in Bali. We take great pride in welcoming the global cricket community to Indonesia, and believe this occasion will inspire our players, supporters and aspiring cricketers, while providing further momentum to our ambition of growing the game across the country.”
The meetings will continue through November 15, when the ICC and IBC Boards are scheduled to consider matters brought forward through the committee programme.
