ICC Forms Committee To Review T20 World Cup 2024 Conduct In USA, West Indies

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set up a three-member committee to evaluate the organisation of the T20 World Cup 2024, which was co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies in June. This committee includes former New Zealand batter Roger Twose, along with directors Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khwaja, who is also the deputy chair of the ICC.

"The ICC Board confirmed that there will be a review into the delivery of the ICC T20 World Cup. This will be overseen by three directors, Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khwaja who will report back to the Board later in the year," an ICC release stated.

It has been reported that the ICC incurred losses exceeding USD 20 million from hosting matches in New York, Florida, and Dallas. The budget for the US segment of the tournament was approximately USD 150 million but was significantly exceeded, raising concerns among influential board members.

Poor quality drop-in pitches, ticketing issues, and logistical challenges compounded these problems. Additionally, scrutiny over how various tenders were awarded has raised further questions. The committee will also thoroughly investigate the roles of some top ICC executives.

The governing body for cricket in the United States, known as USAC, has been given a formal notice and 12 months to meet ICC's Associate Membership criteria. USAC has failed to comply with two specific criteria: governance and administrative structure. They have not met the norms set by the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which is essential for recognition as a National Governing Body (NGB) for participation in the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

If USAC does not comply with USOPC guidelines within this period, LA Games organisers may have to de-recognise USAC and establish a new NGB. Another issue is that USAC has not appointed a CEO, which is mandatory for any cricket board.

Cricketing Decisions

The Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) confirmed eight regional qualifying spots for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Two teams will qualify from Africa and Europe each, one from the Americas, and three from a combined Asia and EAP regional final.

The ICC also reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity by expanding the women's T20 World Cup in 2030 from 12 to 16 teams. The cut-off date for qualification for the 2026 women's T20 World Cup qualifier is October 31, 2024. Paul Reiffel was approved as an Elite Panel representative on the Cricket Committee.

"USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have been formally put on notice and have 12 months to rectify their current non-compliance with the ICC Membership Criteria," stated another release. "Neither Member is considered to have in place a fit-for-purpose detailed governance and administrative structure and systems."

"The Board agreed that a Normalisation Committee comprising of Board and Management representatives will be set up to oversee and monitor USA Cricket's compliance roadmap and the ICC Board will reserve its right to suspend or expel the Member for continued non-compliance."

Chris Tetley, head of events at ICC, has resigned citing that organising an annual flagship event for both men’s and women’s cricket was taking its toll. This resignation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over how events were managed during his tenure.