Tag: ICC

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) much-debated proposal for a two-tier World Test Championship has been shelved after failing to secure sufficient backing from full-member nations, international media reported on Tuesday.

The idea, aimed at creating greater competitiveness and context in Test cricket, was discussed during the ICC’s quarterly meetings held in Dubai last week.

A special working group chaired by former New Zealand batter Roger Twose had been tasked with exploring the model and presenting recommendations to the ICC Board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC).

However, concerns over the financial implications of the system, as well as resistance from several full members, led to the proposal being dropped.

While the concept initially found some support among the “Big Three,” Australia, England, and India, the lack of consensus, particularly from Pakistan, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka, eventually scuttled the plan.

Under the suggested structure, the top division would have featured the leading Test-playing nations, while the lower tier would include emerging sides.

It was also proposed that the more established boards would provide financial and logistical support to those in the second division, an idea that ultimately failed to gain traction.

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The shelving of the two-tier model means the ICC is now expected to expand the existing World Test Championship (WTC) instead.

According to reports, the next WTC cycle, starting in 2027, will likely feature 12 teams, with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland set to join the competition for the first time.

The two-tier Test concept had been a talking point since early 2024, when discussions between Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reignited the idea during the women’s Ashes series.

CA had pushed strongly for a system that would allow the Big Three to play each other twice every three years, aiming to enhance both competitiveness and commercial value.

However, ECB chairman Richard Thompson later expressed deep reservations about the relegation-based approach, warning that it could jeopardize marquee series such as the Ashes if England were ever to drop to the lower division.

“We wouldn’t want, as England, if we go through a fallow period, to fall into Division Two and not play Australia or India. That simply couldn’t happen. Common sense needs to prevail,” Thompson told BBC’s Test Match Special earlier this year.

With the two-tier system now off the table, the ICC appears set to focus on expanding participation within the existing WTC format, a move that would not only give smaller nations more exposure to Test cricket but also preserve the sport’s traditional rivalries and commercial stability.

READ: Australia face double injury scare ahead of first Ashes Test

DUBAI: Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has been banned for two matches by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for code of conduct breach during the Asia Cup 2025.

According to an ICC press release on Tuesday, the pacer earned four demerit points within 24 months due to multiple breaches of conduct due to incidents that occurred during the India-Pakistan clashes on September 14, 21, and 28.

“Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was again found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points,” the press release said.

“This takes Rauf’s total to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework. In accordance with the Code, Rauf is therefore suspended for Pakistan’s ODI games against South Africa on 4 and 6 November 2025,” it added.

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During the September 14 group-stage clash, Match Referee Richie Richardson found Rauf guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 and docked Rauf 30% of his match fee.

Rauf attracted attention while fielding near the boundary as he made gestures that depicted the action of bringing down a plane. This was interpreted as a mockery of India’s military action earlier this year.

He performed these gestures in response to Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli,” referring to Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also penalized 30 percent of his fee for the same offence, while Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point.

Farhan, meanwhile, came under scrutiny for his unique half-century celebration, in which he mimicked firing a machine gun with his bat. The gesture was widely criticized as provocative.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday unveiled the Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament, with Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz being the only player from the country to earn a place in the star-studded lineup.

The team, dominated by players from India and South Africa, celebrates standout performers from what was a record-breaking edition of the Women’s World Cup.

India’s triumphant campaign saw Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma all named in the XI, while South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was chosen to lead the side after a remarkable tournament with the bat.

Wolvaardt topped the scoring charts with 571 runs at an average of 71.37, setting a new record for the most runs in a single Women’s World Cup.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

Mandhana followed closely as the second-highest run-getter, with a string of consistent performances including a brilliant century against New Zealand.

Rodrigues earned her spot courtesy of her match-winning 127 against Australia in the semi-final*, while Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Tournament, etched her name in history as the first woman to score over 200 runs and take more than 15 wickets in a single edition.

Australia, who reached the semi-finals, saw Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, and Alana King make the cut, while England’s Sophie Ecclestone was also included for her stellar bowling efforts. Nat Sciver-Brunt was named as the 12th player.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz earned recognition for her exceptional glovework behind the stumps throughout the tournament.

Despite Pakistan’s underwhelming campaign, the wicketkeeper impressed with her consistency and sharp presence, becoming the only player from outside the semi-finalists to feature in the XI.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament:

Smriti Mandhana, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Ash Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Alana King and Sophie Ecclestone.

12th Player: Nat Sciver Brunt.

READ: Wasim Akram tips THIS pacer as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling sensation

Former ICC match referee Chris Broad has claimed that he was instructed to ”be lenient’ in order to avoid India an over-rate fine at one point during his time as a match official.

Former ICC match referee Chris Broad disclosed that he was instructed to “be lenient” in order to prevent India from incurring an over-rate fine during his time in office.

While speaking to ‘The Telegraph’, Broad did not specify when the incident occurred; however, he described the scene, stating that during one match, India were slow with their overs, so the team was supposed to be fined.

“India were three, four overs down at the end of a game, so it constituted a fine,” he said.

“I got a phone call saying, ‘be lenient, find some time because it’s India’. And it’s like, right, OK. So we had to find some time, brought it down below the threshold.”

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“The very next game, exactly the same thing happened. He [Sourav Ganguly] didn’t listen to any of the hurry-ups and so I phoned and said, ‘what do you want me to do now?’ and I was told ‘just do him’,” he revealed.

The 68-year-old further said that he wanted to continue in the role; however, his contract was not renewed.

“I was very happy to carry on,” Broad remarked. “But for 20 years, I dodged a lot of bullets, both politically and physically. I look back and I think, ‘you know, 20 years is quite a long time to be doing that job’.”

He also discussed the Indian influence and financial aspects involved in the game while operating within a political environment.

“I think we were supported by Vince van der Bijl (ICC umpires manager) while he was in position because he came from a cricketing background, but once he left, the management became a lot weaker. India got all the money and have now taken over the ICC so in many ways,” he claimed.

“I’m pleased I’m not around because it’s a much more political position now than it ever has been.,” Chris Broad concluded.

Overall, Chris Broad remained in the role from 2003 until February 2024. During his 20 years, he oversaw 123 Test matches, 361 ODIs, and 138 T20Is.

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Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ensure venues with appropriate playing and weather conditions for future tournaments.

Sana’s statement came following her team’s frustrating, rain-affected ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign, which ended without a single victory.

The Green Shirts’ final group match against co-hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain.

Notably, this was their third washed-out fixture of the tournament, leaving them seventh on the table with just three points from seven matches.

Speaking after the match, Fatima Sana expressed disappointment at how weather disruptions derailed Pakistan’s campaign and urged the ICC to address scheduling and venue selection more carefully in future global events.

“The weather did not go in our favour in the England match and others as well,” Fatima said. “ICC must arrange good venues for World Cups because we wait four years for this opportunity.”

The 23-year-old all-rounder, who captained Pakistan for the first time in a senior ICC event, acknowledged the team’s limitations but also highlighted areas of progress.

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“We were very good in bowling and fielding, but our batting needs improvement,” she reflected.

“In a couple of matches, we came very close, against Australia and England, but couldn’t cross the line. That’s the main thing we have to work on.”

Despite the disappointing results, Fatima maintained a positive outlook, saying that the experience of leading Pakistan in a major tournament had been invaluable.

“As the youngest captain, these matches give me a lot of confidence,” she said.

“I’m in a learning phase, and I always watch Kane Williamson. He also lost a close World Cup but was still smiling. As a captain, you have to believe in yourself.”

Looking ahead, the Pakistan skipper emphasised the need for more international exposure ahead of next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.

“We haven’t played much cricket recently. Hopefully, we get more matches before the next big event so we can prepare well,” she added.

READ: Kane Williamson breaks silence on his future with New Zealand

CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s Joshuwa van Heerden has become the first like-for-like injury replacement under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) new trial regulation for substitutes, introduced in domestic competitions.

Van Heerden replaced Edward Moore in a provincial four-day game at Newlands, during the second round of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) first-class competition.

Moore suffered an injury while fielding on the second day, which ruled him out of the match.

The trial is part of an ICC initiative aimed at finding a solution for handling player injuries during a match.

Alongside South Africa, the new regulation is also being implemented in Australia’s domestic tournament Sheffield Shield and India’s Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy.

Unlike India, which currently permits replacements only for external injuries under strict protocols, South Africa and Australia are testing the rule for both internal and external injuries.

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For internal injuries, such as Moore’s, the player is required to undergo an Ultrasound or an MRI scan, with a medical report sent to CSA’s chief medical officer and CSA’s cricket operations manager

These officials determine the seriousness of the injury and whether it’s sufficient to warrant a replacement.

If the injury is external — for example, a broken bone — the match referee can approve the substitution in consultation with stakeholders.

Notably, the injured player can only be substituted if he cannot take part in the match at all. The variations in protocols result from the different methods that countries intend to use when testing the system.

Each country will provide reports to the ICC, which may then create regulations for comparable substitutions in international cricket. As it stands, substitutions during international matches are only allowed for concussion-related issues.

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India captain Suryakumar Yadav has been found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct over his political comments during the India-Pakistan clash on September 14 in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

According to Cricinfo, the exact sanction that has been applied is not confirmed, but it is likely to be demerit points or a fine.After the sanction, India has appealed against the verdict.

Meanwhile, the report said that the verdict on Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan is awaited.

A day earlier, the Indian skipper was summoned by match referee Richie Richardson and ICC officials for a meeting at a local hotel in Dubai regarding this matter.

During the meeting, Yadav was advised to refrain from making political comments in the future. However, the report indicated that it is unclear whether Suryakumar faced any other sanctions.

The controversy arose after the BCCI emailed its complaint to the ICC earlier this week, pointing to Farhan’s celebration and Rauf’s actions as “provocative.”

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Yesterday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also lodged an official complaint against Yadav’s comments following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage match on September 14.

The PCB’s complaint said that Yadav had politicized cricket and breached the ICC’s code of conduct on neutrality.

The matter stems from Yadav dedicating the win to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” which took place earlier this year in April, triggering renewed cross-border tensions.

“Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Yadav said during the post-match presentation.

“Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”

READ: Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan defend actions in ICC hearing over BCCI complaint

The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended USA Cricket (USAC) on Tuesday in a bid to overhaul its leadership and governance structures, aiming to protect players and keep cricket’s Olympic plan on track

The decision was made by the ICC Board following a virtual meeting on Tuesday.

“The suspension is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect the long-term interests of the game,” the ICC said following the suspension.

Despite the suspension, USA will participate in the T20 World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, which is set to begin in February next year.

The exact reason for the suspension has not yet been confirmed, but it follows a decision made by the ICC at its annual general meeting in July. At that meeting, the ICC granted USAC three months to conduct “free and fair elections” and implement “comprehensive” governance reforms.

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Moreover, the suspension does not have an immediate impact on cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

To maintain continuity, the ICC and its representatives will take temporary control of the management of the USA’s national teams, concentrating on high-performance initiatives and player development.

A Normalization Committee, with the support of ICC management, will outline the reforms required for the restoration of USA Cricket’s membership.

This will include changes to governance, operations, and structure, and the committee will also oversee and support the transition process.

READ: Shaheen becomes Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected Indian media reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down its demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

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While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

READ: Ricky Ponting clears the air on viral India-Pakistan no-handshake comment

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The PCB wrote a letter to the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Monday, demanding the removal of Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the handshake controversy in the India clash.

The fixture, played under a tense backdrop, witnessed unusual scenes from the start, with both captains skipping the customary handshake at the toss.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

According to the PCB, this was on the instructions of match referee Pycroft, a directive they believe went against the spirit of cricket and the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB said in its letter, stressing that Andy Pycroft “failed to fulfil his responsibilities as match referee.”

However, according to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC rejected PCB’s request and conveyed their decision formally to the cricket board on Monday night.

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“The ICC has reasoned it out, saying the ACC officials on the ground are understood to have told Pycroft that there will not be any handshake at the toss,” the report stated.

“The ICC letter cleared the air and refuted Pakistan’s belief that the match referee was acting on behalf of the Indian team.”

Meanwhile, ARY News has reported that Pycroft is unlikely to officiate in any matches for Pakistan during the tournament and will be replaced by West Indian Richie Richardson.

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