ICC AGM 2026: 8 major proposals that could transform international cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to discuss several major proposals during its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh. The discussions are part of a long-term strategy to improve the future of international cricket and ensure that Test, ODI, and T20I cricket continue to grow.

According to a report by The Guardian, one of the biggest proposals is to reduce the length of One-Day Internationals (ODIs). At present, each team plays 50 overs, making an ODI a full-day contest. The ICC believes shorter matches could help increase fan interest and improve television viewership.

Apart from shorter ODIs, the ICC will also discuss several other important proposals, including fixed windows for international cricket, an expanded World Test Championship, more multi-team tournaments, and a World Club T20 Championship. If approved, these changes could significantly reshape the future of the game.

From Format changes to revenue splits — What's really on the table at ICC's big meeting

According to The Guardian, one of the main proposals is to introduce fixed windows for each format of international cricket. Under this plan, ODI cricket would mainly be played during the 18 months before an ODI World Cup, while other parts of the calendar would be reserved for Test cricket and T20Is. The ICC is also considering shortening ODI matches to make the format more attractive and easier to fit into the international schedule.

The ICC believes these changes could help revive interest in ODI cricket, which has seen declining viewership in recent years. Bilateral ODI series involving teams other than India, Australia, and England often attract fewer fans. It is worth noting that ODI cricket has already changed once before, with the format being reduced from 60 overs per side to 50 overs.

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However, these proposals are still at the discussion stage and are unlikely to affect the 2027 ODI World Cup. The current Future Tours Programme runs until 2027, while major bilateral series involving India, Australia, and England are already scheduled until 2031. If approved, any major changes are expected to be introduced only after 2031.

Which proposal could hit your favourite format hardest? Here's the full breakdown

The ICC AGM 2026 will discuss several major proposals that could change the future of international cricket. These include shorter ODIs, fixed windows for Tests, ODIs and T20Is, more multi-team tournaments, continental championships, a World Club T20 Championship, an expanded World Test Championship, and a two-tier Test system. However, since the current Future Tours Programme and major bilateral series are already scheduled until 2031, any major changes are unlikely to be introduced before then.

The ICC also wants to reduce its reliance on bilateral cricket by promoting more multi-team competitions. Regular continental championships, similar to the Asia Cup, are being considered to increase fan interest. Another proposal is to launch a World Club T20 Championship featuring champion franchise teams from different domestic leagues around the world, although a similar tournament, the Champions League T20, ended in 2014 due to limited commercial success.

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Another important proposal is to expand the World Test Championship from nine to 12 teams by including Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan. The ICC is also considering allowing one-off Test matches to earn WTC points, making it easier for more teams to compete. A final decision on the future structure of the World Test Championship is expected later this year.

The key proposals at ICC AGM 2026 in Edinburgh at a glance:

1. Shorten the length of ODIs. 
2. Introduce fixed scheduling windows for Tests, ODIs and T20Is. 
3. Promote more multi-team series. 
4. Launch continental championships across regions.
5. Create a World Club T20 Championship for franchises. 
6. Expand WTC to 12 teams (including Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan). 
7. Allow one-Test series to count for WTC points. 
8. Introduce a two-tier Test system.

Boards react: Where India, Australia and England stand on each proposal

The proposed changes are expected to receive mixed reactions from cricket's biggest boards. According to reports, the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board may be cautious about proposals that give the ICC greater control over the international calendar and multi-team events. These boards currently manage some of the most valuable bilateral series in world cricket.

At the same time, the proposal to introduce fixed windows for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is likely to receive broader support. A structured calendar would help players manage their workload, reduce scheduling conflicts, and make it easier for fans to follow international cricket. The World Cricketers' Association has also supported the idea of fixed international windows.

The final decisions on these proposals will be made after discussions among all ICC full member nations. While some ideas could receive strong backing, others may require further debate before they are approved. Any major changes are expected to be introduced gradually rather than immediately.