international cricket council

The ICC has unveiled an all-female officiating panel for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales. This marks the third consecutive edition with only women umpires and referees. Veteran Claire Polosak leads the 14-umpire and 4-referee team, with several debutants set to officiate in the prestigious tournament.

Former England Test captain Mike Smith has passed away at the age of 92. Known as MJK, he played 50 Tests for England, captaining on 25 occasions, and also represented England in rugby union. Smith amassed nearly 40,000 first-class runs and served as Warwickshire chairman.

The international cricket council has suspended funding to Cricket Canada for six months due to governance concerns, a significant financial blow as ICC distributions form nearly 63% of its revenue. This follows allegations of breaches in governance, financial oversight, and administrative functioning, alongside ongoing investigations into match integrity and former CEO controversies.

The issue is not just what Arshdeep Singh said, but why so many people still struggle to see why it was wrong. That discomfort says as much about society as it does about cricket.

Indian-Origin Players, Gujarati Coach Shape Cricketing Journey

The international cricket council has maintained an unchanged list of match officials for the 2026-27 international season. Nitin Menon continues as the sole Indian on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, while Javagal Srinath remains the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. This decision reflects the consistency and high standards in international officiating.

Royal Satyamev Jayate Group Alleges Contempt Of Court

Former captain Tamim Iqbal, now heading an interim BCB committee, expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's mishandled exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes the previous administration failed to find a compromise with the ICC, costing the country a valuable opportunity. Tamim also emphasized the strong relationship between the BCB and BCCI, assuring India of Bangladesh's safety for future tours.

In a key development for the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, the fourth edition of the tournament will be shifted to Kanpur, with Green Park Stadium set to host the competition later this year.

Ahmedabad will host the IPL-2026 final on May 31 due to a crucial international cricket council meeting scheduled there. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited the ICC meeting, Ahmedabad's superior stadium capacity for revenue generation, and favorable weather conditions as key factors in the decision, dismissing political allegations.

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has labelled the nation's absence from the 2026 T20 World Cup a "blunder" and a significant setback for cricket-loving Bangladesh. He expressed hope for his own future in the game and praised India's strong talent pipeline, while advocating for a team-first approach for Bangladesh's cricket.

Sri Lanka Cricket's entire executive committee has resigned following government pressure, paving the way for a new leadership. This move comes amid ongoing concerns about corruption and administrative mismanagement, and follows a past ICC suspension for political interference. The team's recent poor performance has further fueled calls for reform and stability.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz is under investigation by the PCB after testing positive for recreational drugs during the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 32-year-old's participation in the tournament was modest, and this development has already led to his withdrawal from a county cricket contract. The outcome of the PCB's due process will determine his future.

Fatima Sana will captain Pakistan's 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting May 4. This series is crucial for the ICC Women's Championship 2025-2029 and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Momina Riasat earns her maiden ODI call-up as Pakistan aims for a strong comeback after their recent defeat to South Africa.

Construction has officially commenced on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cricket venue at Fairplex Grounds, marking a significant step for the sport's return after 128 years. ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlighted the groundbreaking as a landmark moment in cricket's global journey.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz faces an anti-doping probe after a reported positive test for a banned recreational substance during the T20 World Cup. The ICC has tasked the PCB with a swift investigation, with potential consequences ranging from a warning to a six-month ban. The outcome hinges on substance quantity and usage circumstances.

The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating alleged corruption during a 2026 T20 World Cup match involving Canada and New Zealand. The probe centers on the fifth over of New Zealand's chase, where Canada's young captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, conceded 15 runs, including a no-ball and a wide. These events emerged in a Canadian documentary highlighting governance issues at Cricket Canada.

The ICC has announced a record prize pool of approximately Rs 82 crore for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales. This year's tournament, featuring 12 teams, sees a 10% increase in prize money compared to the previous edition. Champions will receive USD 2.34 million, with all participating teams guaranteed a minimum of USD 247,500.

Rajasthan Royals face a dugout controversy as team manager Romi Bhinder's mobile phone usage during a match is under BCCI review. The "PMOA Protocol - 2026" reportedly restricts such use. Officials are examining footage before deciding if Bhinder can be in the dugout for their next game, sparking debate on protocol adherence.

Tamil Nadu's major political parties are strategically revising their election manifestos, dropping past promises like the Sethusamudram project and increased Muslim reservation. This pragmatic approach reflects shifting public sentiment and electoral calculations, with parties prioritizing issues likely to yield better electoral returns in the upcoming polls.

Mumbai Cricket Association honours cricketing legends at Wankhede Stadium. The Ravi Shastri Stand will be unveiled, and gates will be dedicated to Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji. This ceremony celebrates their significant contributions to Indian cricket, recognizing their impact as players and administrators.

The current president of BCB, Aminul Islam Bulbul was removed by the country's National Sports Council (NSC), which formed an ad-hoc committee to run the day-to-day affairs till fresh elections are held.

The meeting took place after a communication had earlier been sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding upcoming bilateral tours and cooperation.

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, now 15, is eligible for senior international cricket. His phenomenal performances, including a century in his IPL debut and Player of the Tournament in the U19 World Cup, have captivated fans. He's already shattered List A records, showcasing immense talent and maturity.