Key Points
- England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will host the next three ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals: 2027, 2029, and 2031.
- BCCI and other stakeholders expressed interest in hosting, but ICC cited England’s strong track record and ideal July weather.
- ICC accepted Timor-Leste and Zambia as new associate members, raising global membership to 110.
- India, Australia, and England will provide direct support to exiled Afghan women cricketers, offering pathways to major ICC women’s events.
- ICC has given USA Cricket three months to implement major administrative reforms amid ongoing management issues, with the country co-hosting the 2028 Olympics.
Singapore: The International Cricket Council (ICC) concluded its pivotal Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore, announcing a series of landmark decisions that will shape world cricket for years to come. The biggest headline: England will host the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) for the next three cycles in 2027, 2029, and 2031 cementing its status as the home of Test cricket’s grand finale.
England to Host Three Consecutive WTC Finals
After successfully hosting previous WTC finals, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was awarded the rights to stage the next three events. The decision is rooted in England’s proven capability to manage marquee Test events, favourable weather in July, and strong infrastructure.
Despite vocal interest and formal proposals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and a few other associations, the ICC opted for continuity and stable conditions, acknowledging the logistical challenges of holding the finals elsewhere.
ICC Expands to 110 Members Welcome Timor-Leste & Zambia
The ICC also announced the addition of the Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Association as new associate members. This move brings the ICC’s total membership to a historic 110 and reflects cricket’s growing global footprint, with emerging nations increasingly joining the international cricket fold.
Global Support For Exiled Afghan Women’s Team
In a major show of solidarity, the ICC confirmed fresh backing for Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers. The initiative, overseen by ICC Vice President Imran Khwaja and supported by the world’s three wealthiest boards BCCI (India), ECB (England), and CA (Australia) will improve training, domestic cricket access, and provide a pathway to major tournaments.
As Taliban authorities continue to ban women’s sport, exiled Afghan players will now benefit from high performance programs and possibilities to play in events like the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India and the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
USA Cricket Given Ultimatum for Administrative Reform
Capping off the session, the ICC addressed ongoing governance issues with USA Cricket. The body remains under scrutiny after repeated warnings, with the ICC insisting on urgent reforms and setting a three-month deadline for the completion of fair elections and improved administration.
The stakes are high: the US will not only co-host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (which includes cricket for the first time in generations), but also features prominently in ICC’s growth strategy for North America. Failure to implement reforms could invite further sanctions or jeopardise ICC event participation.
The ICC’s Singapore AGM has charted a clear path for the next six years: England remains the epicenter for Test cricket’s showpiece final, cricket’s global map has expanded with new members, and major strides have been made to support marginalized women’s cricketers and uphold governance standards in emerging markets.
