At the ICC Annual Conference, held on Sunday, July 20, several key decisions were announced that will shape the global cricketing landscape in the years ahead. Among the most significant was the confirmation that England will continue to host the World Test Championship (WTC) Final through 2031, along with developments in women’s cricket, governance directives for USA Cricket, and the expansion of the ICC’s Associate Member base.
Key Highlights from the ICC Annual Conference
England to Host WTC Finals Until 2031
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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been awarded hosting rights for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 WTC Finals, solidifying England as the long-term home of the Test format’s marquee event.
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Previous hosts:
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Southampton (2021)
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The Oval (2023)
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Lord’s (2025)
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The ICC cited ECB’s logistical strength, venue readiness, and favorable early summer weather as key factors.
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This decision also dampens hopes of India or other nations hosting the final in the near future, despite prior interest from the BCCI.
Continued Support for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
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The ICC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghan women cricketers, who remain unable to play in their home country.
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A joint programme with the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia will provide:
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High-performance training
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Domestic match exposure
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Participation opportunities in ICC events like:
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2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India
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2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England
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USA Cricket Given Governance Ultimatum
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The ICC has issued a three-month deadline to USA Cricket to:
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Conduct free and fair elections
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Implement governance reforms
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Non-compliance could lead to sanctions or potential suspension.
New Associate Members Elected to the CEC
Three new officials from Associate nations were elected to the Chief Executives Committee (CEC):
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Gurumurthy Palani (France)
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Anuraag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong)
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Gurdeep Klair (Cricket Canada)
Timor Leste and Zambia Join as New Associate Members
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The Timor Leste Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union have been granted Associate Member status.
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This brings the total ICC membership to 110 nations, strengthening cricket’s global footprint, especially in South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Summary:
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England’s lock-in as WTC host signals consistency and trust in its infrastructure.
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The ICC’s actions show a strong focus on inclusion, particularly for displaced women athletes.
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There’s a clear push for governance accountability, especially in emerging cricket boards like USA.
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With new nations entering the fold, the ICC continues to expand its developmental reach across continents.
These developments collectively reinforce the ICC’s strategy of balancing elite competition with inclusive global growth.
