Gaming rights and U-19 tournament structure take center stage
As cricket’s digital footprint continues to expand and associate nations push for greater influence in global tournaments, the ICC heads into a pivotal round of meetings that could shape the sport’s near future. With competing agendas across full and associate member boards, as well as rising friction around commercial rights and governance, tensions are expected to surface.
According to multiple reports, mobile gaming rights and the format of the Under-19 World Cup are expected to dominate discussions at the ICC’s upcoming quarterly meetings, scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 4 to 7.
As reported by multiple outlets including cricexec, the ICC intends not to involve the WCA in its bid to create a mobile gaming platform, contending that the imaging rights of the players are with their respective boards. The matter becomes more complex in the case of retired players, whose rights are not as clearly defined. This issue is expected to be discussed in depth at the Dubai meetings.
Dispute over Under-19 World Cup format highlights member divide
The format of the next Men’s Under-19 World Cup has also emerged as a flashpoint. Full member nations are advocating for the continuation of the traditional 50-over structure, while associate nations are pushing for a shift to a T20 format, citing the evolving nature of the global cricket calendar and the faster, more accessible appeal of the shorter format.
Sixteen teams have already qualified for the next edition of the Under-19 World Cup, including four associate nations — Japan, Tanzania, the United States, and Scotland. The tournament, to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, will proceed in a 50-over format. However, the debate over the long-term direction of junior ICC tournaments is expected to continue during the meetings.
Broader strategic discussions on cricket’s global growth
Recently appointed ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is set to deliver a presentation outlining the organization’s forward-looking strategy. A major theme will be cricket’s inclusion in multi-sport events beyond the Olympics — including the Pan American Games and South American Games — as the ICC looks to broaden the sport’s global presence.
The Chief Executives’ Committee will also review the implementation of the stop-clock rule in Test cricket, evaluating early results from recent matches. Additionally, the meeting will address the upcoming cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), which will shape the international calendar for years to come.
Associate match official development and Asia Cup trophy tensions
Efforts to create a structured pathway for match officials — particularly umpires and referees from Associate Member countries — are also expected to be reviewed. This move is aimed at strengthening the officiating pool and improving match standards across all tiers of international cricket.
Another topic that could reach the table is the ongoing Asia Cup trophy controversy. The ICC is expected to consider any formal representation submitted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has indicated its intention to escalate the matter if unresolved. The issue involves the official handover of the trophy to India following their tournament win and centers around Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who has reportedly been unresponsive.
The ICC’s Dubai meetings could prove pivotal in shaping the sport’s digital future and developmental pathways, as decisions around gaming rights, youth tournament formats, and governance models take center stage. With member interests diverging and the stakes rising, the outcomes from these sessions may set the tone for cricket’s next phase of global growth.
