Web desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved several key initiatives. These steps are aimed at expanding the global reach of cricket, promoting women’s participation, and strengthening long-term development programs.
These decisions were made during the ongoing ICC Board meetings in Dubai. It was attended by member representatives, including Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The ICC appreciated the success of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 held in India. It has been called a milestone in the rise of women’s cricket.
ICC Expands Women’s World Cup to 10
The ICC Board approved an expansion of the next Women’s World Cup. The number of participating teams has been increased from eight to ten.
The ICC also reviewed its collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ahead of cricket’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Both men’s and women’s T20 events will feature six teams each, with a total of 28 matches to be played.
The board expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to include cricket in regional multi-sport games such as the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, African Games 2027 in Egypt, and Pan American Games 2027 in Peru.
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
Another key decision was the approval of an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for global video gaming rights. This will allow the ICC to partner with gaming companies to expand cricket’s digital presence and engage younger audiences through interactive platforms.
The Board also discussed the use of data and artificial intelligence to improve fan engagement and unlock new commercial opportunities.
A global data project will consolidate analytics and help ICC members access new revenue streams.
To support equitable development, the ICC approved a 10% increase in funding for Associate Members in 2026.
This financial boost will help smaller cricket nations invest in domestic programs and strengthen their performance at the international level.
Project USA
The ICC also reviewed progress on “Project USA.” It aims to ensure the continued development of American cricket following the suspension of USA Cricket. The project will focus on building strong national teams ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
