International cricket is set to see some of the biggest changes in years. After several weeks of delays and confusion, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to meet again later this month to take some major decisions including the format of Test cricket and the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
The International Cricket Council Board and Chief Executive Committee (CEC) meetings, scheduled to be held in Doha in March 2026, were postponed due to the Iran war situation. Although they had an online meeting, they could not take any major decision.
Now, the ICC Board has decided to hold an in-person meeting to settle all the pending issues. However, the date and venue of this high-profile meeting has not been revealed yet.
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12-team WTC set to return after two-tier mess
One of the biggest decisions awaiting approval is the expansion of the ICC World Test Championship. The global organization had tried to push forward a two-tier system, but smaller countries strongly opposed it. Due to that, the new WTC cycle is almost confirmed to have 12 teams from 2027.
According to Cricket Financial Journal, the current top nine Test-playing teams as well as Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland are also expected to join the WTC. It is also being said that the ICC Chief Executives Committee has already given the green signal for a 12-team WCT.
Most cricket boards have already supported the system, but some powerful countries still want more clarity before giving final approval to the proposal.
Proposed FTP plans give hope to small countries
The report also suggests that cricket teams have started planning their next tours under the upcoming Future Tours Program (FTP). It is being said that in the next WTC cycle, every team will have to play at least Tests.
Interestingly, the ICC is also trying to add one-off tests to help smaller countries. For example, Zimbabwe is pushing the idea that visiting teams should tour the country if they tour South Africa. Australia will do something similar later this year, although only for white-ball matches.
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The qualification format for the LA Olympics 2028 is almost finalized
The return of cricket in the Olympics is expected to be great. The Los Angeles Olympics 2028 will have six teams each in both men’s and women’s events. One team from each major region – Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania – will get direct entry through the rankings. The United States, being the host nation, will automatically represent the Americas at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The final spots will be filled through a global qualifier to be held in 2027, featuring the top eight teams that missed direct entry. Earlier, the women’s berth was believed to depend on the upcoming T20 World Cup, but now both the formats will follow the same qualification model. This means the USA women’s team will qualify directly despite their low ranking.
ICC has to finalize all decisions before the annual meeting
The ICC wants to finalize everything before its annual conference in Edinburgh in July. Well, the Middle East crisis has created travel issues for ICC officials in Dubai but now they are insisting on rescheduling their upcoming in-person board meeting later this month.
Bangkok has emerged as a possible venue, with an official announcement on these matters expected before the end of April.
