The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of key decisions following its Board meetings in Ahmedabad, India, including changes to playing conditions, new women’s cricket events, governance measures, and concerns over the growing influence of franchise cricket.
Among the major changes approved by the ICC Board is a trial allowing the use of a pink ball in Test matches, subject to agreement between both teams, to reduce lost playing time caused by poor light. The Board also approved research into new lighting technologies for venues and match officials and authorised match officials to access Hawk-Eye data when reviewing suspected illegal bowling actions.
Several playing condition updates were also approved, including allowing head coaches or designated team representatives to consult players during drinks breaks, making 15-minute intervals mandatory in T20 Internationals, and requiring batters to be ready when play resumes. The ICC also confirmed the permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial and approved the remaining changes to the MCC Laws of Cricket from October 2026.
In women’s cricket, the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved from June-July to February 14-28, 2027. The Board also approved the launch of the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in 2026, featuring 10 teams made up of five Full Members and five Associate Members.
The qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 was also endorsed. The tournament, to be hosted by Pakistan, will feature 12 teams, with India matches to be played at a neutral venue.
The ICC further approved plans to establish a global qualification tournament for future Men’s T20 World Cups, with work underway on a new qualification structure involving a 16-team Global Qualifier.
On governance matters, the ICC suspended Cricket Canada with immediate effect due to serious breaches of membership obligations. However, Canadian national teams will remain eligible to compete in ICC events during the suspension period while the governing body works towards meeting conditions for reinstatement.
The ICC also provided updates on governance matters in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia have met relevant stakeholders to assess ongoing developments within the country’s cricket administration.
The Board also expressed concern over the continued expansion of franchise cricket worldwide and agreed to establish a committee to examine how franchise leagues can be better harmonised with the international cricket calendar.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the decisions taken at the meeting were aimed at strengthening governance, supporting the growth of women’s cricket, improving competition structures and ensuring cricket remains competitive and sustainable around the world. (Newswire)