ICC Approves Major Reforms Across Global Cricket

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a series of significant reforms covering governance, playing conditions, women’s cricket, membership matters and franchise cricket following Board meetings held in Ahmedabad, India.

Among the major playing-condition changes, the ICC approved trials of pink-ball usage in Test matches, subject to agreement between participating teams, to help minimize interruptions caused by poor light. The Board also endorsed research into advanced lighting technologies for stadiums and match officials, with funding support from both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club.

The governing body further agreed to allow match officials access to Hawk-Eye data when assessing potentially illegal bowling actions and approved updates enabling head coaches or designated representatives to communicate with players during scheduled drinks breaks.

Additional changes include the permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial, mandatory 15-minute innings intervals in T20 Internationals and the implementation of all remaining MCC Law amendments from October 1, 2026.

Women’s Cricket Receives Major Boost

The ICC also approved several important initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s cricket worldwide.

The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved from its original June-July window to February 14-28, 2027.

Meanwhile, the ICC will launch the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, featuring 10 teams comprising five Full Members and five Associate Members.

The qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 was also finalized. The tournament, to be hosted by Pakistan, will feature 12 teams, while matches involving India will be played at a neutral venue.

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Global Qualifier for Associate Nations

In a move aimed at expanding opportunities for emerging cricket nations, the ICC Board approved plans to establish a global qualifying tournament for future Men’s T20 World Cups.

Officials have been tasked with developing a qualification structure centered around a 16-team Global Qualifier, with detailed proposals expected at upcoming ICC meetings.

Cricket Canada Suspended

The Board also announced the immediate suspension of Cricket Canada due to what it described as serious breaches of membership obligations.

Despite the suspension, Canadian national teams will remain eligible to participate in ICC tournaments. Funding for national team programs will continue through a controlled mechanism overseen by ICC management while governance reforms are implemented.

The ICC stated that Cricket Canada would be required to meet specific reinstatement conditions before membership can be restored.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Reviews

The ICC also confirmed ongoing engagement regarding governance developments in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Representatives from Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket are scheduled to visit Bangladesh to discuss matters related to the electoral process of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Meanwhile, ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja and a representative from the Board of Control for Cricket in India have already held consultations with stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Franchise Cricket Expansion Under Review

Expressing concern over the rapid growth of franchise-based competitions around the world, the ICC Board decided to establish a dedicated committee to assess how franchise cricket can be better aligned with the international cricket calendar.

The review aims to balance the expansion of domestic leagues with international cricket commitments and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport’s global schedule.