On Wednesday, November 17, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the ICC’s Cricket Committee would have a new chairman and that Anil Kumble would be replaced in the post by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. Anil Kumble, the former teammate of the BCCI chairman, has already served for nine years in the post. Since 2012, Kumble has been chairman for 3 three-year terms, the most permitted.
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ICC Chairman Greg Barclay’s Statement to the Media
“I am delighted to welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. His experience as one of the world’s best players and latterly as an administrator will help us shape our cricketing decisions moving forward. I would also like to thank Anil for his outstanding leadership over the last nine years which has included improving the international game through more regular and consistent application of DRS and a robust process for addressing suspect bowling actions.”
New Working Group to Review Status of Afghan Cricket
On November 16, numerous key decisions were made by the ICC Board. These included efforts to review the status of the game in Afghanistan after the recent change in government in that country. The ICC decided to form a working group for the purpose. After the takeover of the reins of government by the Taliban, concerns have been expressed regarding the future of Afghan cricket, particularly that of women’s cricket in Afghanistan. After the Taliban had reportedly banned women from taking part in sports, Cricket Australia called off the scheduled one-off home Test versus Afghanistan.
The working group, which will be chaired by Imran Khwaja, will also include the likes of Ramiz Raja, Lawson Naidoo, and Ross McCullum.
Barclay’s Pledges Support to Afghan Cricket
In his statement to the media, Barclay added,
“The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men’s and women’s cricket moving forward. We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our Member in its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government”.
“Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men’s team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most. We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly.”
FormFormat of WTC Remains Unchanged in Next Edition
nother decision, the Board said that the format of the World Test Championship would remain the same, with nine teams competing over two years. As it happened in the previous edition, the top two sides would play in a title clash. The 2027 edition of the competition will feature 14 teams, with the top 10 to qualify automatically based on their ICC rankings on a cut-off date that would be predetermined. A qualifier would be held to fill the remaining four slots.
BrigBright Future for Women’s Cricket
ICC Women’s Cricket Committee will have an additional member in the form of Johnny Grave, the chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies whose appointment was approved by the ICC at the meeting. The board also decided that women’s cricket would enjoy List A classification and first-class status in the foreseeable future.
“The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men’s and women’s cricket moving forward. We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our Member in its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government”.
“Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men’s team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most. We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly.”