ICC Faces Rs 167 Crore Loss After Hosting T20 World Cup 2024 in USA

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly incurred a significant financial setback of approximately USD 20 million (Rs 167 crore) following the hosting of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States. According to a report by PTI, this financial loss will be a central topic of discussion during the upcoming ICC Annual Conference starting in Colombo on Friday.

While not officially part of the nine-point agenda for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the financial outcomes of the T20 World Cup 2024 are expected to be scrutinized in a detailed “post-event report”. A notable portion of the tournament, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match, was staged in New York, marking a significant expansion of cricket’s footprint in the USA.

In addition to the financial review, another key topic during the AGM will be the potential succession of ICC chairman Greg Barclay by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. According to the PTI report, sources within the ICC have indicated keen interest in Shah’s eventual takeover, likely in 2025, pending his cooling-off period as mandated by the Indian board’s constitution.

“There is anticipation surrounding Shah’s transition to the ICC chairman’s role,” an ICC source revealed. “His tenure as BCCI secretary concludes in 2025, aligning with the potential restructuring of the ICC chairman’s term from three terms of two years each to two terms of three years, totaling six years.”

This proposed restructuring could enable Shah to complete a comprehensive leadership cycle, potentially serving as ICC chairman for three years from 2025 onward, followed by a subsequent role in BCCI leadership upon returning from his cooling-off period.

The upcoming ICC Annual Conference is expected to provide further clarity on these pivotal decisions, shaping the future trajectory of international cricket governance and financial strategy in the wake of the T20 World Cup 2024.