The upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Dubai are shaping up to be eventful, with several critical matters expected to dominate discussions — even those not officially on the agenda. Among them are the India-Pakistan Asia Cup fallout, the suspension of USA Cricket (USAC), and the ongoing image rights dispute with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA).
The Key Meetings
The Cricket’s Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) will meet on November 5, followed by the ICC Board meeting on November 7. While the Asia Cup controversy isn’t formally listed, insiders say it will likely surface informally, given the high-profile nature of the incidents surrounding the India vs Pakistan encounters.
Asia Cup Fallout: Politics Meets Cricket
Relations between the BCCI and PCB have mirrored political tensions between India and Pakistan, peaking during the 2025 Asia Cup, where the two sides met thrice.
The tournament was marred by controversy — from the no-handshake policy initiated by India to the ICC sanctions on players like Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sahibzada Farhan for politically charged gestures or remarks.
One of the lingering issues remains the Asia Cup trophy itself. India, after defeating Pakistan in the final, refused to accept the trophy from PCB Chairman and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi. Since then, the trophy hasn’t been publicly displayed, with reports suggesting it still lies in an ACC office in the UAE.
Whether Naqvi — who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister — attends the Dubai meetings in person or remotely remains uncertain. Still, board members understand that repairing India-Pakistan cricket relations is vital for the sport’s financial and global health.
The Image Rights Dispute
Another contentious topic awaiting discussion is the ICC’s standoff with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
The dispute emerged after the ICC began planning a cricket-based video game without formally consulting the WCA. At July’s annual conference, several members suggested boards handle player image rights directly — a move the WCA claims violates existing agreements.
The WCA has accused the ICC and certain member boards of trying to control players’ NIL rights beyond the agreed scope, while the ICC maintains it’s merely seeking structural clarity. Updates on the matter will be presented during the CEC meeting.
Cricket’s Global Future & Olympic Pathway
The ICC meetings will also focus on long-term strategic planning, including funding models and cricket’s inclusion in multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
An update on the qualification pathway for the LA Olympics will be shared, marking cricket’s return to the Olympic stage after 128 years. Discussions will also cover upcoming ICC events:
- 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup – South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia
- 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup – Australia & New Zealand
- 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy
- 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup
A proposal to retain the 50-over format for the Under-19 World Cup is also on the table, aiming to strengthen Associate nations’ domestic structures.
USA Cricket Suspension: A Growing Concern
On September 23, the ICC suspended USA Cricket (USAC) over “serious breaches” including bringing the game into disrepute and failing membership criteria.
USAC had narrowly escaped suspension in July after promising reforms by October 20, but instead terminated its contract with American Cricket Enterprise (ACE) and filed for bankruptcy — a move that violated ICC membership rules.
The suspension has also strained relations with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which refuses to grant National Governing Body (NGB) status to USAC in its current state — a requirement for cricket’s participation in the 2028 Olympics.
The ICC has frozen funding and will only support cricketing operations for now, while USAC is expected to write to the Board this week seeking clarity on reinstatement terms.
What Lies Ahead
While the Asia Cup fallout isn’t officially part of the agenda, it’s certain to dominate the corridors of Dubai’s meetings. Between political undercurrents, player rights battles, and governance crises, this ICC session could shape global cricket’s direction for years to come.
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