This week’s roundup spotlights growing tensions over player rights and governance, bold initiatives from new cricket hubs, and notable departures and administrative changes across the cricketing world.
ICC and WCA clash over player image rights in mobile gaming push
Tensions are rising as the ICC looks to launch a global mobile cricket game using player name, image, and likeness (NIL) without prior approval from players’ union, the WCA, which argues collective consent and fair compensation are being sidelined. 👉 Read full story
Saudi Arabia launches World Cricket Festival 2025, with franchise leagues in the pipeline
Saudi Arabia unveils the World Cricket Festival set for November 2025 in Jeddah, pairing cricket with cultural showcases and signaling plans for future franchise leagues under its broader Vision 2030 strategy. 👉 Read full story
Rajasthan Royals exodus continues with CEO Jake Lush McCrum’s exit amid major franchise overhaul
Following the departures of head coach Rahul Dravid and marketing head Dwijendra Parashar, CEO Jake Lush McCrum also exits as Rajasthan Royals accelerate a top-level restructure ahead of IPL 2026. 👉 Read full story
Suryakumar Yadav’s handshake with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi sparks backlash ahead of India–Pakistan clash
A brief handshake between India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the Asia Cup trophy unveiling has ignited fierce criticism from Indian fans, amid already heightened political tensions. 👉 Read full story
Amazon’s free stream of Women’s World Cup match foul with Australian broadcasters
Amazon Prime Video will stream all matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup for free (with an Amazon account), prompting sharp criticism from Free TV Australia, which says the move undermines anti‑siphoning laws and universal access. 👉 Read full story
ECB confirms The Hundred will remain a 100‑ball format and pledges scheduling overhaul by 2028
With over £500 million in investment and franchise changes underway, ECB Chair Richard Thompson confirmed the continuation of the 100-ball format and pledged scheduling reforms to better accommodate England players by 2028. 👉 Read full story
Sachin Tendulkar denies reports linking him to the BCCI President role
Sachin Tendulkar’s management has issued a firm denial to speculation about his potential candidacy for the BCCI presidency at the upcoming AGM, calling the reports flattering but premature. 👉 Read full story
USA Cricket announces board elections in major step toward governance reform and Olympic compliance
As part of efforts to align with ICC and US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) regulations ahead of LA28, USA Cricket has scheduled board elections, aiming to bolster governance transparency. 👉 Read full story
BCCI adds $1.66 billion to cash balance over five years as annual profits hit record levels
Financial filings at the 2024 AGM reveal India’s cricket board has increased its reserves by ₹14,627 crore (~$1.66 billion) since 2019, driven by IPL revenues and investment gains, marking record profit levels. 👉 Read full story
R Ashwin approached for groundbreaking Big Bash League stint by Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia, under CEO Todd Greenberg, has reportedly reached out to veteran Indian spinner R Ashwin for a potential Big Bash League stint, signaling a possible shift in policies around centrally contracted Indian players. 👉 Read full story
2026 Men’s T20 World Cup dates likely set for February 7 to March 8
The ICC is expected to hold the next Men’s T20 World Cup across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, involving 20 teams and 55 matches; venue decisions, including final hosts, are still pending. 👉 Read full story
Team India unveil sponsor-less jersey for Asia Cup 2025 after Dream11 exit
With the Dream11 deal terminated under India’s new Online Gaming Bill, Team India will don a clean, sponsor-free jersey for the Asia Cup—drawing both attention and debate ahead of the tournament. 👉 Read full story
Shaun Williams appointed Director of Cricket for Maharashtra
Former head coach and manager of Maharashtra cricket, Aussie Shaun Williams, returns as Director of Cricket to lead coaching reforms and enhance the state’s long-term player development. 👉 Read full story
UP Chief Minister urges BCCI to consider four IPL teams from Uttar Pradesh
During the Uttar Pradesh T20 League closing, CM Yogi Adityanath called on the BCCI to award four IPL franchises to Uttar Pradesh, citing the state’s massive fanbase and developing cricket infrastructure. 👉 Read full story
Chris Gayle accuses Punjab Kings of ‘disrespect’, says IPL exit left him depressed
In a candid podcast appearance, Chris Gayle revealed that his final days with Punjab Kings were emotionally draining—he felt disrespected by the franchise and described being treated “like a kid.” 👉 Read full story
