The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Cricket Canada with immediate effect, citing “serious breaches” of its membership responsibilities. The decision came out of an ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31, alongside a packed agenda covering playing conditions, tournament qualification models and governance issues across multiple countries.
Key takeaways
- Cricket Canada’s membership status has been suspended immediately over alleged serious breaches of its obligations to the ICC.
- Canadian national teams will still take part in ICC events and receive support through an ICC-controlled funding process to protect players.
- The Board cleared a trial plan for switching from the red ball to a pink ball in conventional Tests when poor light is expected, pending agreement between both sides.
- A Global Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups was approved, with the ICC tasked to finalise a competition format for 16 teams.
- Several playing-condition updates were endorsed, including permanent adoption of the leg-side wides trial and new Hawk-Eye usage for illegal bowling action reviews.
- Women’s cricket calendar and pathway changes were approved, including moving the Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February 14–28, 2027.
Cricket Canada suspended, but Canadian players to remain covered
The ICC Board’s suspension of Cricket Canada was accompanied by assurances for the sport’s participants in Canada. While Cricket Canada’s membership has been put on hold, the ICC stated that Canadian national teams will continue to compete in ICC events and will continue accessing funding via a controlled mechanism monitored by the governing body.
The ICC also said Cricket Canada will receive a defined set of reinstatement requirements aimed at correcting governance and administrative gaps. Progress against those conditions will be reviewed through the ICC’s Normalisation Committee, which will track developments as Cricket Canada works towards meeting the criteria.
Pink-ball Tests, lighting research and new T20 qualification structure
In a playing-conditions discussion, the ICC Board approved a recommendation to trial the use of a pink ball in standard Test matches when limited daylight is likely. The trial is conditional on both participating teams agreeing to the switch, and it is designed to reduce the amount of time lost due to bad light by allowing a changeover from the traditional red ball during a Test.
The ICC also outlined plans to co-fund research with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) focused on lighting technology. The objective is to further cut down interruptions tied to poor illumination.
Another major tournament decision from the Board was approval of a proposal to introduce a Global Qualifier for ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. The ICC management has been directed to finalise the competition structure and qualification pathway for a 16-team qualifier, which will then be presented to the relevant ICC committees.
The ICC said the move effectively restores a global route for Associate nations after it identified rising interest and viewing figures for matches involving non-Full Member teams.
Playing-condition changes: leg-side wides, Hawk-Eye and drinks-break communication
The Board permanently adopted the leg-side wides trial. In that framework, a batter’s position at the moment of delivery is treated as the reference point for determining leg-side wides.
Match officials were also given approval to use Hawk-Eye data when assessing reports of suspected illegal bowling actions. The decision is intended to support the review process when allegations relate to the legality of a bowler’s action.
Head coaches, or their appointed representatives, will be allowed to communicate with players during scheduled drinks breaks. In addition, T20 Internationals will now include mandatory 15-minute intervals, reflecting a standardised approach to timing within the format.
Women’s cricket calendar updates and new qualification pathways
The ICC Board endorsed changes affecting women’s cricket pathways and events. The ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 has been moved from its original June–July period to February 14–28, 2027.
A new Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy will be launched in 2026 with 10 teams. The lineup will include five Full Members and five Associate nations, expanding competitive opportunities for developing sides.
For the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, the Board approved a qualification pathway with a 10-team Global Qualifier feeding into the 12-team main tournament. The event will be hosted by Pakistan, while India’s matches are scheduled at a neutral venue.
Governance engagement in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; franchise leagues to be reviewed
The ICC also addressed governance matters in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In Bangladesh, Board representatives Dr. Mohammed Moosaje and Tavengwa Mukuhlani will visit the country to meet stakeholders and discuss developments, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s electoral process.
In Sri Lanka, ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia have already met stakeholders to evaluate ongoing developments.
Beyond those country-specific discussions, the Board expressed concern about the expanding footprint of franchise cricket around the world. It resolved to set up a dedicated committee to explore how franchise leagues can be better aligned with the international calendar.
Jay Shah on governance, fairness and cricket’s global growth
ICC chairman Jay Shah said the deliberations in Ahmedabad reaffirmed the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the continued expansion of cricket globally. He added that the Board’s decisions—spanning women’s cricket and emerging nations initiatives as well as the management of franchise competitions—were aimed at ensuring the game stays fair, competitive and engaging for fans worldwide.
