At the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Devajit Saikia was appointed Chair of the Governance Review Committee, while Mauritius became the ICC's 111th member.
New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: Edinburgh: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the Chair of the newly-constituted Governance Review Committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC), while Mauritius was formally inducted as the global body’s 111th member during the recent Annual Conference in Edinburgh. This appointment of Saikia is a significant milestone not only for him personally but also for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as it highlights India's growing influence within the ICC.
The ICC, which serves as the global governing body for cricket, has been undergoing various reforms aimed at enhancing the governance structure of the sport. The establishment of the Governance Review Committee is part of these reforms. The committee will focus on assessing and improving the governance frameworks that underpin the ICC and its member nations. With Saikia at the helm, the committee is expected to work on creating more transparent and effective governance practices that can be adopted across various cricketing nations.
In addition to Saikia, the committee will include Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, a respected figure from Cricket South Africa, and Dr. Ros Rivaz, an independent director within the ICC. Their collective expertise is anticipated to bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives to the committee's discussions, which will ultimately shape the future governance structures of cricket worldwide.
Alongside the Governance Review Committee, the ICC has also established a Franchise Leagues Committee. This committee will be chaired by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) President and former men’s captain Tamim Iqbal. The inclusion of Saikia in this committee as well underscores his pivotal role in ICC's ongoing initiatives. Other notable members include Dr. Rudie van Vuuren from Cricket Namibia, Richard Gould from the England and Wales Cricket Board, and Todd Greenberg from Cricket Australia. The Franchise Leagues Committee will focus on the growing trend of franchise-based leagues in cricket, which have become increasingly popular and financially lucrative.
Cricket, traditionally known for its international formats such as Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs), is witnessing a shift towards shorter formats and franchise-based competitions. This trend reflects broader changes in sports consumption patterns, where audiences are gravitating towards formats that offer excitement and quick results. The establishment of this committee signifies the ICC's recognition of this shift and its intention to manage and regulate franchise leagues effectively.
Meanwhile, in a major boost to cricket’s global footprint, the ICC approved Mauritius’s admission as its 111th member, marking another important step in the game’s continued global growth. The inclusion of Mauritius is a testament to the ICC's ongoing efforts to expand cricket's reach, particularly in emerging markets. This move is expected to create greater opportunities for participation and development in cricket within Mauritius and similar regions.
“The addition of Mauritius reflects the ICC’s commitment to expanding cricket’s reach, strengthening its presence in emerging markets, and creating greater opportunities for participation and development across the world,” said the ICC in its statement. This sentiment aligns with the ICC's strategic vision to globalize the sport and ensure that cricket is accessible to a wider audience.
In another key financial decision, the ICC Board approved a USD 12.82 million loan to Cricket West Indies (CWI) to support the member board’s operations. This financial assistance underscores the ICC's role in ensuring that its member boards can sustain their operations, especially in times of financial difficulty. The West Indies cricket team, once a powerhouse in international cricket, has faced various challenges in recent years, including financial instability and declining performance. The loan is intended to help stabilize the situation and allow CWI to focus on improving the cricketing landscape in the Caribbean.
The ICC Board also addressed critical administrative and compliance matters concerning several member nations. In particular, the situation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was highlighted. The ICC noted progress toward a revised Constitution for SLC but reiterated the need for elections to be held at the earliest. The governance issues within SLC have been ongoing, and the ICC's decision to bar SLC from representation at ICC Board meetings reflects its commitment to maintaining governance standards among its members. Currently, SLC is being run by a nine-member transformation committee following the government's decision to sack the previous office bearers.
Furthermore, the ICC approved specific ‘Reinstatement Conditions’ for Cricket Canada, setting out the criteria that must be satisfied before its current suspension from ICC Membership can be lifted. The suspension, which occurred last month, was due to serious breaches of membership obligations, particularly concerning governance and financial issues. The ICC's actions here illustrate its zero-tolerance approach to governance failures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards within the sport.
The governing body also formally recognized the appointment of Tamim Iqbal as the Full Member Director for the Bangladesh Cricket Board, following his election earlier this year. This recognition is significant as it aligns with the ICC's goal of strengthening leadership roles within its member boards. Additionally, the ICC agreed to place France Cricket ‘On Notice’ following breaches of its mandatory Membership Criteria, indicating that the ICC is vigilant in ensuring compliance among its members.
Overall, these developments reflect a proactive approach by the ICC to enhance governance, support its members financially, and expand cricket's global footprint. As cricket continues to evolve, the decisions made during this Annual Conference will likely have lasting implications for the sport's structure and governance, impacting both established and emerging cricketing nations alike.
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