The International Cricket Council (ICC) held its Annual Conference in Singapore in July 2025, addressing critical initiatives to advance global cricket. Key discussions included support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent, governance reforms for USA Cricket, and the allocation of hosting rights for future ICC World Test Championship Finals.
Supporting Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
A major highlight of the ICC Annual Conference was the update on a collaborative program to support displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent. Led by the ICC, in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA), this initiative is supervised by ICC Deputy Chair Mr. Imran Khwaja. The program aims to provide structured support through:
High-Performance Initiatives: Offering training and development to enhance skills and competitiveness.
Domestic Playing Opportunities: Integrating players into domestic leagues to gain experience and exposure.
Engagement at ICC Events: Providing opportunities to participate in global tournaments like the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
This initiative reflects the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and empowering women in cricket, particularly those facing displacement due to geopolitical challenges.
USA Cricket Faces Governance Reforms
The ICC reiterated its stance on USA Cricket, which remains on notice due to ongoing governance issues. The organization is mandated to implement comprehensive reforms, including conducting free and fair elections within a three-month period. Failure to comply could lead to further actions by the ICC Board, which reserves the right to enforce measures as deemed necessary. This focus underscores the ICC’s emphasis on transparency and accountability to ensure cricket’s growth in the U.S., a burgeoning market for the sport.
Hosting Rights for ICC World Test Championship Finals
The ICC Board awarded hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for 2027, 2029, and 2031 to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This decision follows the ECB’s successful track record in hosting recent finals, ensuring world-class facilities and fan engagement for these prestigious events. The move solidifies England’s position as a key hub for Test cricket, promising thrilling competitions in the coming years.
New Appointments to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee
The conference saw the election of three new Associate Member representatives to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC):
- Mr. Gurumurthy Palani (France Cricket)
- Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong, China)
- Mr. Gurdeep Klair (Cricket Canada)
These appointments strengthen the representation of Associate Members, fostering diverse perspectives in shaping cricket’s global strategy.
Farewell to Outgoing ICC Leaders
The ICC extended formal votes of thanks to outgoing Chief Executive Mr. Geoff Allardice and departing CEC members Mr. Sumod Damodar (Botswana Cricket Association), Mr. Rashpal Bajwa (Cricket Canada), and Mr. Umair Butt (Cricket Denmark). Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing cricket’s global reach and development.
Expansion of ICC Membership
The ICC welcomed two new Associate Members, the Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union, bringing the total membership to 110. This expansion highlights cricket’s growing footprint in emerging nations, fostering inclusivity and opportunity for the sport’s development worldwide.
Adoption of 2024 Annual Report and Accounts
The ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) formally adopted the 2024 annual report and audited accounts, along with the auditor’s report. This step ensures financial transparency and accountability, reinforcing trust among stakeholders in the ICC’s governance.
The ICC Annual Conference 2025 in Singapore marked significant strides in advancing cricket globally. From empowering displaced Afghan women cricketers to enforcing governance reforms in USA Cricket and awarding hosting rights for future championships, the ICC is shaping a more inclusive and robust future for the sport. With new members joining the ICC family and fresh leadership in the CEC, cricket continues to grow as a global phenomenon.
