ICC Annual Conference 2025: Key Resolutions on Afghan Women Cricketers, USA Cricket, and WTC Hosts

The International Cricket Council (ICC) convened its Annual Conference in Singapore, reviewing significant global updates, including support programmes for displaced Afghan women cricketers, governance reforms for USA Cricket, and the expansion of the ICC’s global membership.

Structured Support for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers

One of the most prominent discussions was on the ICC’s continued support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent. The initiative, spearheaded in collaboration with the BCCI (India), ECB (England & Wales), and Cricket Australia, is being strategically overseen by ICC Deputy Chair Mr. Imran Khwaja.

The programme aims to offer:

High-performance training
Domestic match exposure
Pathways for participation in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India) and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (England)

USA Cricket Under Formal Notice

The ICC reiterated that USA Cricket remains under formal notice and must undergo urgent governance reforms. The mandated changes include:

Free and fair elections
Resolution of internal structural conflicts
Operational transparency

A strict three-month deadline has been given, with the ICC Board reserving the right to intervene or impose sanctions if compliance is not achieved.

England to Host WTC Finals (2027, 2029, 2031)

The ICC Board has awarded the World Test Championship Finals of 2027, 2029, and 2031 to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recognising its capability and past success in staging global cricket events.

Associate Representation Strengthens

Three new Associate representatives were elected to the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC):

Mr. Gurumurthy Palani – France Cricket
Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar – Cricket Hong Kong, China
Mr. Gurdeep Klair – Cricket Canada

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The ICC extended a formal vote of thanks to outgoing executives:

Mr. Geoff Allardice – Former ICC CEO
Mr. Sumod Damodar – Botswana Cricket Association
Mr. Rashpal Bajwa – Cricket Canada
Mr. Umair Butt – Cricket Denmark

ICC Adds Two New Associate Members

The Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union were officially welcomed as new Associate Members, increasing the ICC’s global footprint to 110 Member nations.