The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardians of cricket's laws, has advocated for additional funding to safeguard the future of Test cricket and the women's game. They have also proposed a substantial reduction in One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup.
During a recent meeting at Lord's, the MCC's World Cricket Committee (WCC), consisting of 13 members, suggested the removal of bilateral ODIs, except for the year leading up to each World Cup post-2027. The proposal addresses concerns about the crowded cricket calendar, which is dominated by T20 domestic franchise leagues worldwide.
In a statement on their website, the MCC stated, "The committee questioned the role men's One Day International (ODI) cricket now plays outside of ICC World Cups and recommended it be significantly reduced following the completion of the 2027 ICC Men's World Cup." They believe that minimizing the number of ODIs would enhance the quality of matches and create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar.
The MCC committee also emphasized the importance of providing extra funding to sustain Test cricket. Recognizing the growing financial challenges faced by nations hosting Test matches, they proposed a Test match financial audit by the ICC to gain better insights into the costs and commercial returns associated with hosting such matches. They further suggested the establishment of a separate Test fund to support nations in need and preserve the integrity of Test cricket.
Another key focus of the committee was strengthening women's cricket worldwide. They called for the creation of an ICC Strategic Fund specifically allocated to full member and associate nations committed to developing women's cricket and fielding national women's teams. The MCC also stated that investment in both men's and women's cricket should be a requirement for full ICC membership.
Headed by former England captain Mike Gatting, with Sourav Ganguly and Jhulan Goswami among its members, the MCC committee urged the ICC to establish a balanced and equitable Future Tours Programme for men's cricket beyond 2027. Their aim is to ensure an equitable schedule of matches for all full member countries, promoting bilateral cricket while also accommodating franchise cricket and maximizing the potential of the ICC World Test Championship.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, outgoing chair Mike Gatting emphasized the need for a reset in the global game of cricket. He stressed the importance of a long-term, sustainable strategy that benefits the entire sport, rather than focusing on a select few powerful nations.
Gatting stated, "It's time for the global game to reset. Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations, versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation."
As the new ICC Future Tours Programme and financing cycle commences, the MCC calls for evidence of adequate funding to address the strategic needs of cricket and ensure its long-term prosperity.
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(With PTI inputs)