Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed a three-member committee to investigate allegations of financial impropriety and poor oversight in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The committee, comprising Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja, has been given a free hand to conduct a thorough forensic audit and probe the matter.The decision to launch an investigation follows the resignations of two high-ranking ICC officials, Chris Tetley and Claire Furlong. The committee will examine the roles of Tetley and Furlong during the World Cup and determine if any further action is necessary.Sources within the ICC indicate that the committee has the authority to recommend the resignation of both ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice if the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing. The committee will also review the financial management of the tournament and identify any areas where improvements can be made.The ICC's Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, concluded on Monday, with the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) and the Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee holding meetings. The conference discussed the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.The ICC has a responsibility to its members and fans worldwide to ensure the integrity of its tournaments. The investigation into the T20 World Cup is a crucial step towards restoring confidence in the organization and ensuring that future events are conducted with the highest standards of financial oversight.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing scrutiny ahead of its Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, due to allegations of overspending in the construction of a temporary stadium in New York for the recent T20 World Cup.The stadium, known as the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, was erected for eight matches in the tournament. However, concerns have been raised about the financial outlay for the project. Pankaj Khimji, a director of the ICC, has requested a forensic audit of the expenses associated with the stadium's construction.The issue is expected to overshadow the conference, where the ICC will discuss the budget for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. The tournament, which returns to the ICC calendar after an eight-year hiatus, will have a budget that must be approved by the ICC Board.The budget plan will be reviewed by the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA), chaired by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah. The committee will scrutinize the financial outlay before it is presented to the ICC Board for approval.Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been designated as the host cities for the Champions Trophy. However, India's participation in the tournament remains uncertain due to strained relations between India and Pakistan. The BCCI has reportedly expressed a preference for a hybrid model, similar to the one used in the Asia Cup last year, where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.The ICC will have the final say on the matter. Meanwhile, the alleged overspending on the New York stadium will continue to cast a shadow over the conference. The ICC is under pressure to address the concerns raised by Khimji and ensure transparency in its financial dealings.