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.

Indian Batters Rise in ICC T20I Rankings After Asia Cup PerformancesIndian batters Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma have made significant strides in the latest ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings, thanks to their impressive performances in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.Harmanpreet, the Indian captain, and opener Shafali are now jointly ranked 11th in the T20I batting rankings. Harmanpreet's unbeaten 5 against Pakistan and 66 against the United Arab Emirates have helped her gain one spot, while Shafali's scores of 40 and 37 have lifted her four positions.Sri Lanka's off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshani has also made a notable jump, advancing three places to a career-best fourth position after taking two wickets against Bangladesh and one against Malaysia.Other notable movers in the batting rankings include India's wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (up four places to 24th), Bangladesh's Murshida Khatun (up six places to 47th), Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne (up seven places to 51st), and Thailand's Nattaya Boochatham (up 10 places to 76th).Among the bowlers, Bangladesh's Nahida Akter has risen nine places to 21st, while Marufa Akter is up one place to 26th. Sri Lanka's Udeshika Prabodhani has progressed four places to 30th, and India's Shreyanka Patil has surged 19 places to 41st.England captain Heather Knight has re-entered the top 20 in the batting rankings, gaining two spots after scoring a match-winning 46 not out off 31 balls in the final match of their home series against New Zealand. Her teammate, new-ball bowler Lauren Bell, has moved into the top 10 following a three-wicket haul.New Zealand's Amelia Kerr has advanced two places to 13th in the batting rankings, while her sister Jess Kerr has moved up five places to joint-42nd in the bowling rankings.

Indian Women Shine in ICC WT20I RankingsNew Delhi: India's star batter Smriti Mandhana has maintained her impressive fifth position in the latest ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings, released on Tuesday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the explosive Shafali Verma have both made significant gains, moving up to a joint eleventh place.Mandhana's consistent performances have kept her among the elite batters in the world. She has been a key figure in India's recent successes, including their victory in the Commonwealth Games and their runner-up finish in the T20 World Cup.Harmanpreet Kaur has also been in fine form, leading India to several victories in the past year. Her aggressive batting style and leadership skills have earned her a place among the top batters in the world.Shafali Verma, the young batting sensation, has made a meteoric rise in the rankings. Her fearless approach and ability to score runs quickly have made her a valuable asset for India. She has jumped four spots to join Harmanpreet Kaur at eleventh place.Jemimah Rodrigues, another talented Indian batter, is ranked 19th, while the big-hitting Richa Ghosh is 24th. These four Indian players in the top 20 reflect the depth and quality of India's batting lineup.In the bowlers' rankings, off-spinner Deepti Sharma remains steady at number three. Her ability to take wickets and control the run rate has made her one of the most effective bowlers in the world.Seamer Renuka Singh has made a significant jump to number nine. Her pace and accuracy have been instrumental in India's recent victories. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is ranked 20th.The young Shreyanka Patil has also made an impressive rise, moving up 19 spots to 41st place. Her leg-spin bowling has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.Englishwoman Sophie Ecclestone continues to top the bowlers' rankings, followed by Australia's Megan Schutt and New Zealand's Amelia Kerr.The ICC WT20I rankings are a reflection of the performances of players in the past 12 months. The Indian women's team has been in excellent form during this period, and their players' high rankings are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference concluded in Colombo on Monday, bringing forth significant decisions and updates.Review of T20 World Cup 2024The ICC Board has initiated a review of the delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. A three-member committee comprising Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja will oversee the review and report back to the Board later this year.Non-Compliance Warnings for USA Cricket and Cricket ChileThe ICC has issued official warnings to USA Cricket and Cricket Chile, granting them a 12-month period to address their non-compliance with membership criteria. Both members have been found to lack adequate governance and administrative structures. The ICC Americas office will assist Cricket Chile in addressing the issues, while a Normalisation Committee will be established to monitor USA Cricket's compliance roadmap.Regional Qualifying Spots for T20 World Cup 2026The Chief Executives' Committee has confirmed the allocation of eight regional qualifying spots for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Two teams will qualify from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from a combined Asia and EAP regional final.Commitment to Gender EqualityThe ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality between men's and women's cricket. As part of this strategy, the Women's T20 World Cup in 2030 will be expanded from 12 to 16 participating teams.Qualification Cut-Off Date for Women's T20 World Cup 2026The ICC has set the qualification cut-off date for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier as 31 October 2024. This aligns with the ICC's efforts to foster the growth and development of women's cricket globally.Appointment to Men's Cricket CommitteePaul Reiffel, a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, has been appointed to the ICC Men's Cricket Committee.

USA Cricket Directors Accuse Chairman of Unethical PracticesUSA Cricket (USAC) directors Kuljit Singh, Arjun Gona, and Patricia Whittaker have sent a detailed email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) accusing USAC chairman Venu Pisike of a range of unethical practices. The allegations include the wrongful termination of the CEO, creating a hostile work environment, systemic corruption aimed at electoral gains, and other misconduct.The email, sent after the ICC board meeting in Colombo, describes various infractions by Pisike and his allies. These include charges of unethical behavior such as the unauthorized termination of CEO Dr Noor Murad and fostering a "toxic and pathetic" workplace atmosphere. They also accuse Pisike of unconstitutional appointments, manipulating election processes, and financial opacity.The email elaborates on several key accusations:* Unethical Termination: Dismissal of CEO Dr Noor Murad without proper cause.* Hostile Environment: Allegations of creating a toxic work environment that led to the departure of key staff members.* Unconstitutional Appointments: Bypassing proper procedures for hiring key positions.* Systemic Corruption: Claims of electoral manipulation and financial non-transparency.* Intimidation Tactics: Efforts to silence dissenting members and remove minority members.According to the Cricbuzz report, Singh and Gona's recurrent dissenting emails to the ICC were cited as the primary reason for their temporary suspension from USAC, made public on July 12.The communication further alleges that voters were disenfranchised during the constitutional amendment process and that elections were corrupted through biased selection of a membership management company. It also accuses the misuse of legal funds and claims that attempts to resolve issues with American Cricket Enterprises (ACE), owners of Major League Cricket, were sabotaged.Specific allegations were also made against Srini Salver, the male player director and chair of the cricket committee, including conflicts of interest, corruption, and manipulating player selections for personal gain.USAC has not commented on the allegations at this time. The situation remains critical, with the ICC closely monitoring the developments after issuing a suspension warning and imposing sanctions on USAC.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing mounting pressure to address the Afghanistan Cricket Board's (ACB) failure to field a women's team, a key criterion for Full Membership. At the ICC's annual meetings in Colombo this weekend, the prospect of ring-fencing funds for Afghanistan women's cricket is expected to be raised.Several cricket boards, including Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), are reportedly keen to discuss the possibility of setting aside a percentage of the ICC's annual revenue distribution to Afghanistan for the development of women's cricket. This move would ensure that funds are specifically allocated and used towards supporting women's cricket in the country.The discussion has gained urgency following a letter from 17 Afghanistan women cricketers to ICC Chair Greg Barclay. The letter requested assistance in establishing a refugee team in Australia, where many of them have fled. The letter acknowledged the achievements of the Afghanistan men's team but highlighted the Taliban's restrictive policies that prevent the ACB from recognizing a women's team.Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, women's rights in Afghanistan have been severely curtailed, including restrictions on education, work, and sporting activities. The 17 women cricketers have asked the ICC to recognize them as a refugee team under the East Asian Cricket office based at Cricket Australia.However, any such discussion will face complexities. The ICC's revenue distribution model does not specify how much money should be spent on women's cricket, making it challenging to determine an appropriate percentage to set aside. Additionally, the ACB receives approximately USD 17 million annually from the ICC, and it is unclear who would be responsible for directing the funds towards women's cricket.The ICC relies on individual boards to compile and recognize teams, so it cannot officially recognize the 17 women who wrote to the ICC. These questions will need to be addressed if a proposal to ring-fence funds for Afghanistan women's cricket is agreed upon.

Sneh Rana, the Indian women's cricket team's spin-bowling all-rounder, believes that the recent success of Rohit Sharma and his team in the T20 World Cup has instilled a renewed sense of self-assurance and determination within the women's squad. This newfound belief has fueled their ambition to secure their first-ever ICC trophy.The Women's Asia Cup, commencing in Sri Lanka on Friday, sees India once again as the top contenders to clinch the title. However, the real challenge for the team lies ahead in the T20 World Cup in October and the ODI World Cup, which they will host next year.Rana is confident that the Indian team, having come close to victory on several occasions, has put in immense effort to achieve success in a global tournament. She firmly believes that the elusive triumph is well within their reach."The Indian women's cricket team, if you look at the past 2-3 years, they are doing their best," Rana told PTI in an exclusive interview on Friday. "For (winning) the ICC trophy, let's take the men's (team's example), it took almost 10 years to get the trophy. They have been preparing and working hard for it for a long time.""To achieve something big, it will not happen overnight. It will take time. It will take a lot of sacrifices, a lot of struggle, a lot of things in between. But eventually, we will get there," Rana said.The players and coaches have recognized that fielding is a problematic area that needs improvement. However, according to Rana, the team is not lacking in determination to enhance their performance in this aspect of the game."When we play N number of matches, the chances of errors are more. But it doesn't mean that someone is bad at it. Obviously, as a player, when you are on the field, you want to always do your best for your country," she said."No one is there to say that it's okay, it will happen (ho jayega). (But) it could also be a matter of a bad day for someone.""As far as ICC trophies are concerned, for big events, the more matches we play, the more experience we will get," Rana said.Since her introduction to international cricket in 2014, Rana patiently waited for the opportunity to represent her country in the longest format of the game. After a prolonged period of seven years, she finally received her maiden Test cap. The right-arm off-spinner now reflects on her journey with pride, having featured in three more Test matches since her debut."I'm glad I got the opportunity. It had been a while, right? The scenario for Indian women's Test cricket is changing for good. The number of Tests we're getting to play now, it's the best opportunity for players.""The inclusion of a multi-day format in domestic cricket is also a big step from the BCCI to take this forward," Rana said.Since 2014, the team had not participated in any 'home' Tests for an extended period of nine years. However, since December 2023, they have emerged victorious in all three Tests they have played.Rana attributed the team's success to the players' exceptional fitness levels and remarkable endurance, which have been crucial factors in their recent triumphs."It's a matter of mindset. Obviously, you've been playing cricket for so long, the 50-overs and 20 overs. But the long formats that we used to have, the multi-days, that we played last in 2018," she said."You have to be on the field for four days, you need endurance for that. Fitness is very important and as a senior player, it's (even) more important because you have to be there all the time," said Rana, who took a 10-for against South Africa earlier this month in the Chennai Test."You have to guide your youngsters as well. It's a bit challenging. But lastly, it's all about the mindset," she said.The Women's Premier League has made the Indian players busier than before but its versatile nature will help in the longer run, Rana said."Since WPL came, we have become a bit more busy. I think the busier, the better. Cricket has got more exposure since WPL came. The match exposure is always good for a player.""The versatility that WPL brings on the table by sharing dressing rooms with the overseas players. (The) new-found talent of the country, (will bring) a refreshing change to women's cricket," she said.Rana's current focus is to regain her position in the white-ball squad, as she was not selected for the Asia Cup tournament. This presents a significant hurdle for her to overcome."I won't lie. It was a little heartbreaking to be dropped from the team. You want to play for India, be it Test cricket or white-ball cricket," she said."But at the same time, it has developed a hunger in me to rejoin the T20 format with my team or the 50-overs game. I'm eagerly waiting for the opportunity," she said."I know I have it in me and I have penned down my manifestation (too)," said Rana, who has played 25 T20Is and 27 ODIs.Rana expressed his approval of the extended tenure being given to the current head coach, Amol Muzumdar, compared to some of the coaches who came before him."Longevity and consistency in the side definitely helps, be it in the regards of coach or a player. With the amount of time one spends with the team, the knowledge about the player and the bonding within, that automatically increases," Rana said."He knows each and every player, their strengths... and how he can use that particular player in a match. At which moment, when and where he can use that player... he knows everything," Rana added.

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) Annual Conference commenced in Colombo on Friday, marking the initiation of crucial meetings and elections. The inaugural day featured gatherings of Associate Members, Regional Representatives, and Non-Voting Associate Members.A pivotal event on the agenda was the election of Associate Member Directors. Mubashshir Usmani, Imran Khawaja, and Mahinda Vallipuram emerged victorious, securing 23, 20, and 13 votes, respectively. These three directors will now represent the associate nations on the ICC board.Usmani, a current member of the ICC's Chief Executive Committee (CEC), played a key role in launching the ILT20 in the UAE. Pankaj Khimji, a sitting associate member director, lost his position after receiving only 7 votes.The election witnessed 11 candidates vying for the three directors' posts. Directors are elected for a two-year term through a ballot system, with all Associate Members and Regional Representatives casting their votes.Traditionally, the associate director with the most votes assumes the role of vice chairman within the ICC. This trend may see Usmani occupy this prominent position.The ICC's Annual General Meeting (AGM) continues with a series of meetings scheduled from July 19 to 22 in Colombo, where further important decisions and discussions will take place.

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.