Bali/New Delhi, 11 November (H.S.): The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Board and Committee meetings commenced in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday. Scheduled to run from November 11 to 15, the meetings have brought together ICC Board members and committee representatives from across the world. These final meetings of 2026 will conclude with the meetings of the ICC and International Cricket Council Business Corporation (IBC) Boards.

The discussions will focus on several significant issues concerning the future of cricket, including major competitions, playing formats, commercial sustainability and the global expansion of the sport. In line with the ICC’s strategy to deepen and broaden its fan base worldwide, consultations with member countries will be held to explore ways to increase the sport’s reach and popularity.

The meetings will also consider the initial recommendations of the Franchise League Review Group and the Governance Review Committee. Both committees were established during the ICC Annual Conference in July 2026.

The Franchise League Review Group has been tasked with examining ways to strengthen and improve the existing ICC sanctioning and regulatory framework. Its primary focus is to safeguard and reinforce the cricket ecosystem amid emerging challenges arising from the growing number of franchise-based leagues worldwide. Meanwhile, the Governance Review Committee will present its initial recommendations following a comprehensive review of the ICC’s administrative and governance structure.

Proposals concerning the match-ups for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 cycles of the World Test Championship will also be placed before the meetings. In addition, proposed scheduling windows for all established major ICC men's events between 2028 and 2035 will be submitted for approval.

Several qualifying tournaments will also feature on the agenda. The ICC Development Committee has played a significant role in designing qualification frameworks for these events, with the objective of making every stage of the qualification process more competitive and meaningful. The proposed framework is expected to particularly benefit emerging cricket nations.

The task force constituted for Afghan refugee women cricketers will also present proposals to the ICC Board outlining the next steps for the Development Pathway Programme. In addition, the ICC’s Decision Review System (DRS) Accreditation Programme will be considered by the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) and the ICC Board.

Eight ICC committees will hold meetings during the four-day programme, which will be followed by the meetings of the ICC and IBC Boards.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said, “The ICC Board and Committee meetings demonstrate the strength of the ICC as the sport’s global governing body. Bringing together a diverse group of directors and chief executives representing members from across the world provides an important opportunity to exchange perspectives, strengthen collaboration and shape the future of our sport. Through our shared vision and collaborative efforts, we remain committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable future for cricket worldwide.

“Bringing the meetings to Bali is a significant occasion for cricket in Indonesia and reflects the growing ambitions of our sport in the country. With new cricket grounds coming up in Bali, alongside the continued efforts of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, there is clear momentum towards building a stronger foundation for the sport in this region. Hosting these meetings here provides a platform to recognise this progress, showcase Indonesia’s potential and further strengthen our commitment to supporting cricket’s development in emerging markets.”

Abhiram Singh Yadav, Chairman of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, said, “On behalf of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, I thank Jay Shah for trusting Indonesia to host the ICC Board and Committee meetings in Bali. We take great pride in welcoming the global cricket community to Indonesia and believe this occasion will inspire our players, supporters and aspiring cricketers, while providing further momentum to our ambition of growing the game across the country.”

The meetings are taking place against the backdrop of cricket’s rapidly expanding presence in Indonesia. Persatuan Cricket Indonesia has made considerable progress in increasing player participation, facilitating international competition and developing the country’s cricket infrastructure.

Indonesia’s men’s team played more Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in 2025 than any other country. Meanwhile, the country’s senior women’s team made its debut in the Women’s Asia Cup in 2026, while the Indonesia Under-19 women’s team qualified for the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time.

Indonesia is also investing in the development of cricket infrastructure. As part of these efforts, the Bali International Oval is under construction and is scheduled to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in 2027.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar