The International Cricket Council (ICC) convened its Annual Conference in Singapore, reviewing significant global updates, including support programmes for displaced Afghan women cricketers, governance reforms for USA Cricket, and the expansion of the ICC’s global membership.
Structured Support for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
One of the most prominent discussions was on the ICC’s continued support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent. The initiative, spearheaded in collaboration with the BCCI (India), ECB (England & Wales), and Cricket Australia, is being strategically overseen by ICC Deputy Chair Mr. Imran Khwaja.
The programme aims to offer:
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High-performance training
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Domestic match exposure
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Pathways for participation in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India) and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (England)
USA Cricket Under Formal Notice
The ICC reiterated that USA Cricket remains under formal notice and must undergo urgent governance reforms. The mandated changes include:
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Free and fair elections
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Resolution of internal structural conflicts
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Operational transparency
A strict three-month deadline has been given, with the ICC Board reserving the right to intervene or impose sanctions if compliance is not achieved.
England to Host WTC Finals (2027, 2029, 2031)
The ICC Board has awarded the World Test Championship Finals of 2027, 2029, and 2031 to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recognising its capability and past success in staging global cricket events.
Associate Representation Strengthens
Three new Associate representatives were elected to the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC):
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Mr. Gurumurthy Palani – France Cricket
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Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar – Cricket Hong Kong, China
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Mr. Gurdeep Klair – Cricket Canada
The ICC extended a formal vote of thanks to outgoing executives:
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Mr. Geoff Allardice – Former ICC CEO
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Mr. Sumod Damodar – Botswana Cricket Association
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Mr. Rashpal Bajwa – Cricket Canada
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Mr. Umair Butt – Cricket Denmark
ICC Adds Two New Associate Members
The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union were officially welcomed as new Associate Members, increasing the ICC’s global footprint to 110 Member nations.
Annual Report and Financials Approved
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the ICC Board formally adopted:
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The ICC Group’s 2024 annual report
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Audited financial statements
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Auditor’s report for the year
