 "ICC confirms England as host for WTC Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031, ignores India")
The International Cricket Council (ICC) made several key decisions in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore on Sunday. One among them is that the body has awarded England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the hosting rights for the next three editions of the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. Therefore, the WTC finals of 2027, 2029, and 2031 will be held in England.
The ICC justified handing ECB hosting rights for the next three WTC finals by citing England’s successful track record in hosting the event. Notably, all three WTC finals held so far have taken place in England.
Challenging ECB’s monopoly over the event, BCCI pushed its candidature in front of the ICC to host the WTC final but the body remained unbudged with its earlier stance. It was previously said, England gets to host the finals because of its weather conditions in July.
New associates join ICC
The ICC also announced the addition of the Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union as associate members of the body, bringing the total count to 110.
Also Read | Pakistan board’s Mohsin Naqvi accused of trying to 'assert unnecessary pressure' on BCCI over Asia Cup
Update on the Afghan women’s team
The ICC also gave an update on the exiled Afghan Women’s cricket team, which is being supported by three prominent boards after it faced a ban from the Taliban after they came to power in the country.
“This initiative is being advanced through a collaborative effort led by the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA), under the supervision of ICC Deputy Chair Mr Imran Khwaja. The programme aims to deliver structured support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities, and engagement at key ICC global events, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England,” the ICC said.
More time for USA cricket
The ICC further stalled a decision on the future of USA cricket, which is enduring administrative issues and had been asked earlier to clean the house.
“ICC reiterated its previous position and confirmed that the organisation remains on notice. USA Cricket is required to undertake comprehensive governance reforms, including but not limited to completing free and fair elections within a three-month period. The Board, however, reserves the right to take such actions as it deems appropriate.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe situation is extra grave because the USA will help host and participate in the 2028 Olympics.
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