The International Cricket Council confirmed the expression of interest submitted by 17 member nations to host its eight major men’s events scheduled in the next rights cycle spanning 2024 to 2031.
The ICC said it has received initial submissions from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, USA and Zimbabwe to be given the hosting rights for those events.
There are two ODI World Cups (2027 and 2031), four T20 World Cups (2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030) and two editions of the 50-over Champions Trophy (2025 and 2029) scheduled in the next eight-year cycle.
The ICC had invited its member countries to submit preliminary technical proposals to be individually or jointly given the hosting rights to these marquee tournaments.
“We are delighted with the response from our Members to hosting ICC men’s white-ball events post 2023,”
ICC’s acting CEO Geoff Allardice said in a media release.
“This process gives us an opportunity to extend our range of hosts and grow interest in cricket worldwide reaching more fans whilst creating a long-term legacy for the sport.”
Allardice also confirmed in his statement that finalising hosting nations will now enter its second phase. In that phase, member nations will be asked to provide a more detailed proposal before taking a final call.
The ICC will initiate a separate process later this year to identify the hosts for four scheduled finals in the coming cycles of the World Test Championship in 2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031 and also the ICC women’s and U-19 events scheduled in that eight-year phase.
Reports suggest that the all-powerful BCCI is eyeing three major events – one ODI World Cup, one T20 World Cup and a Champions Trophy. But it is not yet clear whether the board will provide ICC with a tax exemption from the Indian government.
