The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to host its annual meeting in Singapore starting Thursday, with several major developments expected to shape the future of international cricket. The gathering, scheduled to continue until July 20, will feature top cricket officials from across the globe, and several high-stakes decisions are on the agenda — including the qualification structure for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, the expansion of the T20 World Cup, and discussions on the future format of Test cricket.
Pakistan and India Set to Face Off at the Administrative Table
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to represent Pakistan at the ICC meeting, while India will be represented by BCCI Chairman Jay Shah and CEO Sanjeev Gupta, who are attending the annual summit in this capacity for the first time. Their presence adds weight to the discussions, especially amid increasing speculation over the future of key regional tournaments like the Asia Cup.
While the Asia Cup is not a formal agenda item, sources suggest it will be informally discussed on the sidelines, given the recent tensions and uncertain participation of India. The tournament’s fate — especially matches between Pakistan and India — holds massive financial and political significance and may receive attention during corridor meetings between board heads.
Olympic Cricket: Big Decisions Await for LA 2028
One of the most anticipated items on the meeting’s agenda is the finalization of how teams will qualify for the cricket tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. According to reports, ICC is likely to adopt a ranking-based qualification system, and a decision is expected to be made during this summit.
The United States, being the host nation, is likely to receive a direct qualification spot, although this has yet to be formally approved. The ICC is also considering various formats to ensure the inclusion of top-performing nations while balancing global representation — a key requirement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This would mark cricket’s official return to the Olympics after more than a century, last played in the 1900 Paris Games, and the decision taken in Singapore could set the foundation for how cricket expands globally in the years to come.
Push to Expand T20 World Cup to 24 Teams
Another major discussion point is the potential expansion of the ICC T20 World Cup. There is growing momentum behind increasing the number of participating teams from 20 to 24, to allow more Associate Nations to take part and to further promote the game in non-traditional cricketing countries.
The success of recent tournaments and the rise of competitive Associate teams like Namibia, Netherlands, and USA has fueled these discussions. Such a move could boost cricket’s popularity in new markets while increasing revenue from broadcasting and sponsorships.
Test Cricket Revamp and One-Day Super League Revival
The two-division model for Test cricket is also under review during this meeting. Several Test-playing boards are in favor of introducing a tier-based system, which would separate stronger teams from lower-ranked ones, allowing for more competitive and balanced fixtures. However, critics argue that this could further marginalize smaller cricket nations from the Test arena.
Another related discussion is the potential revival of the ODI Super League, which previously consisted of 13 teams and served as a qualification route to the Cricket World Cup. With the format having been discontinued, some member boards are lobbying for its return to bring structure and significance back to bilateral ODI series, which have lost viewership in recent years.
Pakistan’s COO to Attend Chief Executives’ Meeting
Alongside Mohsin Naqvi’s presence at the board-level meetings, Sameer Ahmed Syed, the Chief Operating Officer of PCB, will participate in the Chief Executives’ Meeting. His role will be pivotal in influencing operational and policy decisions, particularly those that impact Pakistan’s cricketing roadmap and regional relations.
A Week of High Stakes and Big Decisions
With so many crucial topics up for debate — from Olympic qualification and global expansion to revamping traditional formats and navigating regional tensions — the ICC Annual Meeting 2025 in Singapore promises to be a watershed moment for the sport.
The outcomes of this summit could reshape international cricket’s future across multiple dimensions: governance, global reach, financial sustainability, and competitive balance. Fans, analysts, and administrators will be closely watching how the powerhouses of world cricket align or diverge on these pivotal decisions.
