Shafaqna Pakistan: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted Pakistan the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, marking a major achievement for the country’s cricketing profile.
Under the existing ICC arrangement governing events involving Pakistan and India, India’s matches during the tournament will be played at a neutral venue.
The decision was announced following an ICC Board meeting held in Ahmedabad, where several recommendations put forward by the Chief Executives’ Committee were formally approved as part of a broader set of reforms and policy changes affecting international cricket.
Among the notable decisions, the ICC approved a trial allowing the use of the pink ball in Test cricket when both participating teams agree. The initiative is intended to maximise playing time in matches affected by poor light and improve overall playing conditions.
The governing body also approved an increase in the innings break during T20 internationals, extending the interval to 15 minutes.
In another significant scheduling change, the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved from its previously planned June-July window and will now be held from 14 to 28 February 2027.
The ICC further confirmed that the Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 will feature 10 teams, comprising five Full Member nations and five Associate Member sides.
A new 16-team global qualifying tournament for the Men’s T20 World Cup was also approved, creating an expanded pathway for teams seeking a place at cricket’s premier short-format event.
On the governance front, the ICC suspended the membership of the Canada Cricket Board over what it described as serious breaches. Despite the suspension, Canada’s national team will remain eligible to participate in ICC events.
The council also announced that a two-member ICC delegation will visit Bangladesh to review a range of matters, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process. The delegation has already completed a visit to Sri Lanka, where discussions were held with relevant stakeholders regarding ongoing developments in the country’s cricket administration.
The ICC Board additionally expressed concern over the rapid growth of franchise cricket around the world. To address the issue, it decided to establish a committee tasked with examining ways to maintain a balance between the international cricket calendar and franchise-based competitions while operating within the existing cricket structure.
Source: Dunya News
