Cricket is one of the most beloved sports globally, enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. It is played in all corners of the world, with international fixtures drawing in huge audiences. Some of the most popular cricket matches take place in England, India, and Australia, among other countries.
The International Cricket Council, also known as the ICC, is responsible for overseeing and regulating everything related to the game. It has the power to address concerns and make necessary changes to help grow the sport’s popularity while ensuring that all players follow the rules during competitive fixtures across the globe. In this article, we have compiled all the essential information you need to know about the ICC, so keep reading to learn more.
About The ICC
The ICC was formed in June 1909, before it was renamed by its current title following the International Cricket Conference in 1987. The decision was made by the three countries part of the council at the time- Australia, England, and South Africa. However, the governing body is now at a much larger scale, with 108 member nations involved. Of those nations, 12 full members play test cricket, while the remaining 96 compete in shorter forms of the game, such as ODI and T20.
Responsibilities
One of the key responsibilities of the ICC is organizing and governing the major cricket events that are staged across the world. Those include both the T20 World Cup and Cricket World Cup. As well as that, the ICC also assigns referees and umpires that will officiate fixtures, ensuring that there isn’t a conflict of interest that could play a damning role in the outcome.
The ICC is in charge of directing the growth and development of cricket and ensuring that all players and teams follow the rules of the game. This is done by implementing the ICC Code of Conduct, which outlines the professional standards that must be upheld in the sport. Additionally, the ICC and the Anti-misconduct and Security Unit collaborate closely to prevent any instances of match-fixing or other forms of misconduct in the sport. By upholding the sport’s integrity, the ICC ensures that cricket is a fair and enjoyable game for all fans and players.
Location
The ICC has been based at Lord’s Cricket Ground, considered the home of cricket, since its inception in 1909. In the 1930s, the governing body established its head office in the Clock Tower, with a nursery added to the ground’s end. However, the ICC’s headquarters was based in a single country due to the lack of double-tax agreements between the UK and other nations. To address this issue, a company was established in 1994, with its headquarters based in Monaco.
Due to big broadcasters paying hefty sums for important cricket events in the early 2000s, the ICC saw a significant rise in revenue. The staff of the ICC was increased as a result of this development. Sport England’s investigation into the taxes the ICC had paid put the group in a major tussle. Ultimately, the ICC’s special proposal to pay UK corporation tax was denied by the British government, which marked a pivotal moment for the organization. Having to look for a new headquarters was a historic development for the group.
It was finally announced in 2005, that the ICC would be moving its base to Dubai, subsequently closing both offices located in Monaco and London. It was a near-unanimous decision, with the vote reading 11-1. But, the powers that be decided that it was the correct time, and location, as it would enable them to explore the growing interest in cricket in South Asia.
Upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup
This calendar year promises to be another pivotal one for the ICC, as their decisions will once again be in the limelight as the 2023 Cricket World Cup is staged. The action will get underway on October 5, with the final being staged in November. England comes into the event as the defending champions, having won a captivating final against New Zealand in 2019.
Twelve stadiums across India will play host to the upcoming competition, with ten nations set to be involved. Seven of the nations that will be competing in the World Cup have already been determined, with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, and New Zealand joining England, India, and Pakistan. The final three nations that make up the competing nations will be determined through qualifiers.
Women’s T20 World Cup
Extra emphasis has been put on women’s cricket since the 2018 conference, as it elevated all women’s T20 matches to Twenty20 International status. The women’s game is growing in popularity with every passing year, due in no short thanks to The Hundred which became the first cricket event to offer equal pay to both male and female players.
It has already been an exciting 2023 for the world of women’s cricket, as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was staged for the eighth time. This year’s event was staged in South Africa, with ten nations competing for the top prize. However, there was a familiar sight at the top of the podium after the event, with Australia landing a sixth title. The Aussies held off a spirited South Africa to win by 19 runs, with Australian star Ashleigh Gardner being awarded the Player of the Series.
Future Goals For The ICC
As was already mentioned, the ICC is responsible for ensuring cricket’s long-term popularity, so the governing body is constantly looking for new methods to improve the game. Early proof of that came from the 2022 council when the ICC granted associate membership to three new countries, Cote D’Ivoire, Cambodia, and Uzbekistan. The ICC has also pledged its continued support of the women’s game, and ensuring that the sport continues to make gains in terms of popularity in nations such as the UAE. The Indian Premier League’s success in holding matches in the Middle East is an illustration of how shorter versions of the game are increasingly being used to increase popularity.
About the Author
David Todva is an experienced writer who has worked in the sports industry for many years. He is a regular contributor to numerous blogs and websites, providing his thoughts and opinions on all things related to sports journalism. Whether it’s covering a big game or bringing attention to lesser known stories, David is always on the lookout for interesting angles and perspectives. He believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to tell their story, and by providing readers with quality work, he hopes to make a positive impact on the world.
