The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the creation of a dedicated Working Group to tackle critical decisions surrounding international cricket, including the roadmap for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the restructuring of the game’s existing formats. The group will also oversee the implementation of a consistent qualification system, especially in light of global scheduling constraints.
Among the decisions finalized during the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting in Singapore on July 18, the most notable is the acceleration of the long-awaited Working Group. It is expected to be formalized as early as Saturday when the ICC Board convenes. The meeting was chaired by the new ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta, who emphasized urgency in reaching decisions that affect cricket’s global future.
The new group will include representatives from both the ICC Board and CEC and will be tasked with developing a fair qualification method for LA28. Although many stakeholders are leaning toward using ICC rankings to determine the participants, the final decision has been deferred to the new group. Fans on platforms like Jeetbuzz are already actively discussing how different qualification methods could impact their favorite teams.
One of the hurdles in proposing a standalone qualifying tournament is the already saturated Future Tours Programme (FTP). With limited room in the international calendar, the ICC believes a tournament may not be feasible. The Working Group will weigh all options, including the challenges of time and logistics. If a ranking-based qualification system is chosen, the group will also determine the official cut-off date for ranking calculations. Only six teams from each gender will be able to compete in LA28, raising the stakes for national boards.
Interestingly, the controversial two-tier system for Test cricket was not debated during Friday’s meeting. However, it is anticipated that the Working Group will evaluate whether red-ball cricket requires structural change. It will also consider modifications to the formats of ODIs and T20Is to keep them relevant in today’s rapidly changing sports landscape.
The CEC also decided that the minimum age for participation in international cricket will remain 15. However, in rare circumstances, exceptions may be granted, following review. The ICC additionally agreed to open bidding for mobile gaming rights, signaling a new wave of digital expansion—something fans of fantasy leagues and mobile-based platforms such as Jeetwin may find particularly exciting.
ICC Chair Jay Shah, who attended the meeting in his ex-officio role, supported the motions discussed and is expected to play a vital part in shaping the direction of the Working Group.
Decision on USA Cricket Imminent
A separate, yet highly significant, decision is expected soon regarding USA Cricket (USAC). Following a report by a normalisation committee that recently visited the United States, USAC has been advised to resign. However, some internal resistance remains. With the Olympic Games drawing closer and the spotlight on cricket’s return to the global stage in the U.S., the outcome of this decision could have lasting implications for American cricket.
