The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia as the chairman of its newly formed Governance Review Committee during its Annual Meetings on Wednesday. The committee has been created to review governance matters within the ICC and strengthen its administrative framework. Saikia’s appointment is seen as another important role for the senior BCCI official at the global level.
Saikia will work alongside two other members on the committee Dr Mohammed Moosajee from Cricket South Africa and Dr Ros Rivaz, the ICC’s newly appointed Independent Director. The committee is expected to examine governance policies and recommend changes wherever required. An ICC statement said the committee has been formed to improve the organization’s governance standards.
Apart from this responsibility, Saikia has also been named a member of the ICC’s newly created Franchise Leagues Committee. The committee will be chaired by former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal. Other members include Dr Rudie van Vuuren of Cricket Namibia, England and Wales Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould, and Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg.
Cricket West Indies Receives USD 12.82 Million Loan
During the meeting, the ICC also approved a loan of USD 12.82 million to Cricket West Indies (CWI). The financial assistance has been provided to help the Caribbean board, which has been facing cash flow challenges in recent years. An ICC official said, “The loan has been approved to support Cricket West Indies as it continues to address its financial requirements.”
The ICC also reviewed the progress made by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in implementing its revised Constitution. However, the governing body said more work remains before normal representation can resume. In its official statement, the ICC said, “The need for elections to be held as soon as possible was reiterated, and SLC will continue to be unable to be represented at ICC Board meetings for the time being.”
Bangladesh Strengthens ICC Board Representation
Another key decision taken during the Annual Meetings was the ratification of Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal as the Full Member Director on the ICC Board. His appointment further strengthens Bangladesh’s representation in the ICC’s decision-making process. The meeting also discussed several governance and membership-related matters involving member nations.
Mauritius Becomes ICC’s 111th Member
The ICC expanded its global reach by approving Mauritius as its 111th Member, reflecting the continued growth of cricket across emerging nations. At the same time, Cricket Canada remained under suspension after failing to meet the conditions set by the ICC. The board will have to satisfy the required governance standards before its suspension can be lifted.
Meanwhile, France Cricket was placed on notice for breaching the ICC’s Membership Criteria. The governing body warned the board to address the identified issues and comply with the required standards. Through these decisions, the ICC signalled its focus on improving governance, supporting financially struggling members, and ensuring all cricket boards meet the organization’s administrative and operational requirements.
Gurnoor Brar Penalised by ICC After Code of Conduct Breach During England Match