Singapore – The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its Annual Conference in Singapore, unveiling key decisions affecting the global cricket landscape — from support for Afghan women cricketers to governance challenges in USA Cricket and future WTC Final host appointments.
Support for displaced Afghan women cricketers
The Board received a progress update on its structured support initiative for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent. The programme is being jointly driven by the ICC, BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia under the oversight of ICC Deputy Chair Mr Imran Khwaja.
The initiative will provide high-performance development opportunities, access to domestic competitions, and engagement in major ICC events, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
USA Cricket warned over governance failings
The ICC reaffirmed that USA Cricket remains on notice, requiring sweeping governance reforms. This includes conducting free and fair elections within three months. The Board emphasized it reserves the right to impose sanctions if compliance is not met.
WTC Final hosting rights awarded
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been awarded hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The decision follows ECB’s successful execution of recent WTC Finals and affirms its status as a premier host nation.
New CEC members and ICC expansions
Mr Gurumurthy Palani (France Cricket), Mr Anuraag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong, China), and Mr Gurdeep Klair (Cricket Canada) were elected to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) as Associate Member representatives.
Outgoing members Mr Sumod Damodar (Botswana), Mr Rashpal Bajwa (Canada), and Mr Umair Butt (Denmark) were acknowledged for their service, along with departing ICC CEO Mr Geoff Allardice.
ICC membership grows to 110
The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union were formally inducted as Associate Members, increasing the ICC’s total membership to 110 nations.
AGM adopts 2024 report and audited accounts
The conference formally adopted the ICC Group’s 2024 annual report and audited financial statements, along with the auditor’s report.
These decisions reflect the ICC’s continued focus on global cricket governance, inclusion, and development in emerging and established markets alike.
