While the United States cricket team has recently impressed the cricket world, especially in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 as the co-hosts with West Indies, their cricket board is in deep trouble, as the board is in danger of a suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Here, we are going through the whole story briefly.  

In July 2024, the ICC sent a notice to the United States Cricket (USAC) after citing the board's lack of a "fit for purpose" governance and administrative structure. To oversee compliance and reforms of the USAC, the ICC established a normalisation committee during that notice. This governance notice has a 12-month period that will end this July, while there is very little progress in the USAC. 

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United States Cricket leadership has big issue

According to the latest TOI report source, if the USAC leadership doesn't change significantly before the upcoming ICC Annual Conference this July, the ICC is likely to suspend the USAC. Surely, it will be a terrible story for the USA cricket teams, which have just started to make some impact in world cricket, that can inspire the cricket world.  

The TOI report claimed that an ICC official stated that the situation in the USAC is unstable due to dysfunction and internal disputes. Talking about the present ICC situation, the official further added, “The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028."

Will we see some resignations from USAC?

This June, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). In their meeting with the USAC members, the ICC representative reportedly requested the board members to step down voluntarily. While some of the members are reportedly ready to resign, others haven't shown their supportive natures for the solution yet. 

Meanwhile, the TOI report has also learnt that the ICC officials' recent meetings in Los Angeles have been pushed into informal categories rather than any official talks. 

According to the TOI report, several resignations are expected from the USAC in the next few weeks to save the board from any tough sanctions from the ICC. 

The tough sport of Cricket has a rich and glorious history, and its legacy has become eternal ever since it was first played scores of years ago. The game and its stakeholders have witnessed several memorable moments over time. This tryst with destiny has aided the British game to come of age and solidify its heritage towards greatness. Fans have grown and stayed loyal courtesy of the positive incidents and the love for their idols, whom they look up to. The players have signified more than just a living being playing the game. They have been ambassadors for the sport and are responsible for its goodwill, brand identity, and authentic image. 

However, richness comes with a price, and just like a coin has two sides, Cricket has dealt with severe moments as well. The second most loved sport in the world has had its share of black days, too. Those distasteful and shocking episodes have hampered and created a massive hole in the glittering history of the game. They are oppositely but equally remembered as the finest moments, and instead threaten the ethics to a great extent. These ignominiously dark sides are a disgrace, and their anchors deserve justice to save the health of the game. 

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Here is a look at some of the biggest and most significant match-fixing incidents that shook the cricketing world, their history, protagonists, and deep-scale consequences. 

Cronje and Azharuddin: The Match-Fixing Scandal of 2000

The most infamous of all cricket match-fixing scandals dates back to 2000. The Delhi Police charged Hansie Cronje, the then South African skipper, with fixing his side's One Day International (ODI) matches against India in March of that year. Cronje initially denied his wrongdoing, but as evidence accumulated, all the allegations proved true, and he eventually confessed to his part. The other Proteas teammates testified that they had received lucrative offers from their captain to throw the match, bow down to the bookies, and get involved in fixing the game.

Hansie, later, accused Mohammad Azharuddin of introducing the former to the associated bookmaker, and further investigations found the former Indian cricketer guilty as well. Both were banned for life by the ICC and their respective national boards. This uncovered a chain of players involved. Herschelle Gibbs, a prominent former South African player, received a six-month ban for his part in this scandal. Ajay Sharma, a former Indian domestic cricketer and Delhi player, was also banned for life as he was named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report alongside Azharuddin for having links with bookies and manipulating matches. In September 2014, his ban was lifted by the Delhi district court. Cronje died in a plane crash in 2002, and ever since his death, suspicions of malicious acts and links with the fixing saga loom large over his demise to date.

Pakistan's Spot-Fixing in the UK, 2010

In 2010, Pakistan's cricket team toured England for a test series. During the Lord's match, three players from the touring side, namely Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, were accused of receiving bribes from a bookmaker, and then organising and deliberately performing feats to affect the moments in the match. This included intentional no-balls to hamper the outcome of the game, and the act was categorised as 'spot-fixing'. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the British Crown Court found them guilty and, as punishment, sentenced the trio to jail terms of variable lengths in the UK. The Pakistani players' on-field actions were condemned by everyone from all quarters, and this entire saga took the sporting world by storm. It called for immediate measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.

IPL 2013 Spot-Fixing

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013, a major scandal erupted when the Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on charges of spot-fixing. They were believed to be involved in a syndicate having a history of organising such criminal acts in sports and consequently altering several matches in the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on its part, handed the trio life bans and ensured free and fair trials to confirm justice for everyone involved.

This incident sent ripple waves across the Indian Cricketing circuit and raised serious questions. Fans subsequently lost faith in the tournament, and the game was frowned upon by many. The Rajasthan franchise was banned for a couple of seasons in 2016 and 2017, following this ominous run of events. IPL cricket regained its credibility gradually over time. A few years back, the Court gave the culprits a clean chit, and that helped them to resume professional cricket.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Fixing Scandal 2013

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from competing in the IPL for two seasons - 2016 and 2017. Gurunath Meiyappan, one of their high-profile team officials, was involved in betting and leaking team information during IPL 2013. He was also the son-in-law of the then BCCI president N. Srinivasan. This scandal was the major stepping stone towards institutional reforms in cricket. Various committees were set up and designated to safeguard the integrity of the sport. The Lodha Committee was the primary one among all. An Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) in cricket was also set up by the BCCI to remove any cases of graft from the game. 

Marlon Samuels' Match-Fixing Case 2007

Ahead of an ODI series involving the teams of India and the West Indies in 2007, the Caribbean batter was accused of several dealings with the bookmakers. Recordings of his telephonic conversations with the bookie before the Nagpur ODI were found, and he was charged with sharing the details of the match. This was confirmed after an investigation initiated by the West Indies Cricket Board. Allegations of bribery and match-fixing were levelled against him, and Marlon was handed a two-year ban by the ICC.

John - 'The Bookmaker' 

In 1998, Australian cricketers Steve Waugh and Shane Warne went through a turbulent phase when their names got embroiled in match-fixing. It was discovered that the duo had accepted money from an Indian bookmaker named John to share the pitch and weather information during the 1994-95 season. The news was initially kept reserved within the Australian Cricket fraternity, and when it eventually broke out during the 1998 Ashes series, the players and the Board were reprimanded for their heinous actions. However, the controversy didn't escalate much. The ICC took no further action, and the players were let go after just being fined by Cricket Australia (CA). 

Manoj Prabhakar, 1999, and Ajay Jadeja, 2000

Manoj Prabhakar, a former all-rounder, was banned in 1999 after he showed up at an event organised by the Tehelka News Group. It was on exposing match-fixing events in Cricket. He, however, ended up getting accused himself and banned from playing for the national side by the BCCI. A decade later, in 2011, he was also dismissed from his role as the coach of the Delhi domestic cricket team after he publicly criticised and pulled up the players and selectors.

Also, in the year 2000, Ajay Jadeja, a former stylish Indian all-rounder, was banned by the BCCI for five years for his involvement in match-fixing. The Delhi High Court, though, lifted his ban in 2003, but his cricketing career could never revive. He instead took up commentary and is currently a one.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has brought the promo for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where the top two table toppers, South Africa and Australia, will face each other from June 11 at Lord's in London.

In the video, Australian and South African players have been captured in the focus-looking ahead of the third ICC World Test Championship Final, while the Championship . It will be the first World Test Championship Final for South Africa, and they are facing the defending champions Australia, who are eyeing their second WTC title. 

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2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: South Africa eyeing their first ICC trophy after more than 26 years

South Africa men's national cricket team has only one ICC trophy, which is the ICC Champions Trophy 1998 title. They are waiting for about 27 years to win another ICC title, while their closest one in this period was the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2025 runners-up. Now, the 2023-2025 ICC World Championship points table leader have the great chance to end their long and frustrating wait for their second ICC trophy. 

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: Australia are ready to defend

Meanwhile, Australia won the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship Mace after beating India in the Final. It was their first ICC WTC trophy, as they became the first team to win all four ICC trophies. 

Before Australia, New Zealand became the first team to win the ICC WTC title after winning the inaugural ICC WTC Final (2019-2021 edition) by beating India. 

Two teams. One dream 👑

South Africa and Australia are ready to carve their names in Lord’s history 🤩#Cricket #CricketReels #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/FgeID10JXv

— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2025

During the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa earned 100 points after 12 Tests (PCT 69.44%) with eight wins, one draw, and three losses, and the second-placed Australia secured 154 points after 19 Tests (PCT 67.54%) with 13 wins, two draws, and four losses. 

Cricket will grandly return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, closing a 128-year gap. It last appeared at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris, where the sole competition was between France and Great Britain in one men's match. Great Britain took the gold medal in what is now regarded as an unofficial Test.

Following the Paris 2024 Games, talks were held on incorporating cricket in the following Olympic edition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) collaborated to reintroduce the sport. Cricket's inclusion was formally ratified in 2023 for LA28. The competition will involve gold, silver, and bronze medals, allowing half of the teams competing to have a podium finish in each game, making every match very competitive.

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Six-Team T20 Format to be Part of LA 2028

In LA 2028, cricket will be staged in the high-intensity T20 format, with six teams participating in both men and women's divisions. Each team will consist of a 15-player squad, with a combined 90 athlete quotas per gender. This translates to stiff competition among leading cricketing nations, given that only six places are available.

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USA, being the host country, is likely to receive a direct entry. That leaves only five spots remaining for qualification, which is still undecided. Nations such as India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will be strong hopefuls in the men's section. In the women's section, sides such as England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will be in contention as well. Cricket's return to the Olympics is a part of the trend of its participation in world sporting events.The sport was included in the 1998 Commonwealth Games (men's) and the 2022 Birmingham edition (women's). It was also included in the Asian Games of 2010, 2014, and 2023. 

Cricket fans everywhere now have something else to cheer about. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that it will release its first-ever mobile cricket game. It is a major entry into the mobile gaming space for the world cricket governing body, with the aim of making cricket more popular and exciting in the hands of fans. The game is set to deliver a breathtaking and realistic cricketing experience.

While the exact details are not yet out, the fans can look forward to HD-quality graphics, real-time gameplay, and big teams and players. With cricket gaining popularity in countries like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan, the ICC venture into mobile gaming can be a breakthrough.

The ICC has proposed updates at regular intervals and seasonal competitions to keep the game fresh. With mobile gaming being a billion-dollar market, this launch can become the launchpad for new opportunities for the online expansion of cricket. It provides an opportunity to remain engaged with the sport between live matches.

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A New Era of Fan Engagement

This mobile phone game is not just about entertainment; it's part of a bigger plan to engage fans differently. The ICC hopes to appeal to the next generation and give them an even more interactive way of viewing cricket. By merging sport and technology, the ICC believes that it can popularize the game globally. The game is being developed with one of the most prominent mobile game development studios to create a smooth and engaging user experience.

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Players will have the option to play in various modes like World Cups, Test matches, and even daily challenges. The game may have multiplayer options as well so that fans can play with or against their friends. The date of release has not been confirmed yet, but the wait is already on.ICC supporters are asked to tune in to ICC's official websites for previews and updates. As the game of cricket keeps changing, this mobile game will be a lively and interactive method for cricket fans to follow the game wherever they go.

The International Women's Day 2025 proves very special for women's cricket as the ICC women's cricket tournaments have achieved special things, which is the very first time, and it opened a new era of women's cricket.

Previously, ICC women's cricket tournaments had no dedicated standalone sponsors as those would follow the men's tournaments pathway. The advertisers were subsidising women's cricket, which acted like an add-on or freebie with men's tournaments. But the scenario is set to change from now.

From the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, which India will host, the ICC women's tournaments will have the standalone sponsors, which are solely contracted and not related to men's tournaments. 

ICC-Rexona partnership opens up new chapter

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has partnered with Unilever to open the new chapter in women's cricket. The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2027, ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 will have the dedicated commercial sponsor Rexona, a personal care brand of Unilever. The ICC-Rexona partnership will run till the end of 2027 with a view to future expansion. 

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This collaboration will empower female cricketers: Jay Shah

The ICC chairman Jay Shah commented, "This International Women’s Day we are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Unilever, which signifies a pivotal moment for women's cricket. By aligning with a global leader like Unilever and its personal care brands for the ICC’s first ever women’s partnership, we are not only securing valuable commercial support but also reinforcing the growing importance of women's sport on the world stage.

“This collaboration will empower female cricketers, inspire future generations, and contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of women's cricket globally."

As women's cricket is growing strongly, which is impressively visible in the recent ICC tournaments, where the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, 2023, and 2020 Finals were sold out with a record-breaking attendance in a women's cricket game of 86,174 in the Final of the 2020 edition, Australia vs India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Apart from the stadium crowd attendance, the recent ICC women's tournaments have also experienced record-breaking viewership figures. 

Pakistan is hosting the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is a remarkable achievement for the country after facing long years in isolation. But the question is still rising: How safe is the country for an international tournament? 

The ICC Champions Trophy has returned after eight years, and Pakistan is hosting the ninth edition of the tournament. The country Pakistan, which faced isolation from international cricket for many years, especially after the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009, which also took away Pakistan's hosting chance of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh remained as hosts). Before the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan previously hosted an ICC tournament back in the World Cup 1996.

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Six foreign teams have traveled to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy

Eight teams are participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which started on February 23. While six teams are playing in the tournament in Pakistan, along with the hosts Pakistan, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. Ultimately, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have arranged all Indian matches of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Warnings for the tournament

Although the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is running without any big trouble, the threat is still looming. Recently, Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau has issued a serious warning of possible foreigners kidnapping for ransom, and the threat is to the foreigners who are attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Afghanistan's intelligence agency (GDI) has also issued a similar warning. 

More recent dramas

Despite recent financial trouble and political turmoil in the nation and continuous terrorist attack news from the entire country, the PCB's stubbornness has slowly opened up places to host international cricket matches by welcoming foreign teams but under tight security. However, one of the significant moments in recent years, which wasn't on any positive side, was the New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) abandonment decision of the Pakistan tour of the men's team following a New Zealand government security alert. That decision came on the day when the three-match ODI series was scheduled to begin. 

Also, not to forget, the Sri Lanka A team returned home from Pakistan in the middle of the fixtures due to political unrest in Pakistan last November.

Some foreigners, who have experienced Pakistan's condition in recent times, have strongly questioned the necessity of hosting the ICC tournament in the country.

Just before the beginning of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan fans invaded National Stadium in Karachi during the opening ceremony of the tournament.  

The latest discomfortable picture

Now, another scene has raised the security question in Pakistan, while the country has tried to host the tournament in very tight security. During the match between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A last Monday (February 24) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Rawalpindi), a fan invaded while New Zealand were chasing the 237-run target.

Although it is very common nowadays in any big matches, it is not a good sign for Pakistan cricket. Although the PCB has ensured to take strict action for this incident, the question has arisen once again, and it is: Is Pakistan safe for an international tournament?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to get clarification for the hosting country Pakistan's name missing during the Group A match India vs Bangladesh during the second game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started on Wednesday (February 19) with the Group A match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. While New Zealand won that match by 60 runs, the whole match was broadcast with the name of Pakistan under the Champions Trophy 2025 logo in the left corner of the broadcast. 

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh broadcast experienced "Pakistan" missing from logo

On the next day, the other Group A team India and Bangladesh started their tournament journey, which was played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The entire match carried the Champions Trophy 2025 logo without the name of Pakistan as well as UAE. However, the next two fixtures, which were played at the National Stadium in Karachi (Afghanistan vs South Africa) and at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore (Australia vs England), carried the hosting country's name along with the tournament logo.

The ICC has reportedly told the PCB that it was an early technical error, but the PCB hasn't been reportedly satisfied. The PCB has reportedly asked for assurance of no further similar mistakes, the ICC has reportedly clarified that the issue won't happen in future matches. The Group A match India vs Pakistan has been scheduled for Sunday (February 23) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: UAE added to the schedule only for Indian matches

The hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were a big issue as Pakistan has the complete rights to the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to travel to Pakistan, and after a long wait, Pakistan ultimately confirmed that Dubai in the United Arab Emirates would host all Indian matches of the tournament. 

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan had a horrible start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In addition, the team has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan lost the opener by 60 runs

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started with the Group A Pakistan vs New Zealand match at the National Stadium in Karachi last Wednesday (February 19). After the Blackcaps were sent to bat first, they scored 320/5, thanks to twin centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips’ firing batting performance. 

In reply, Pakistan's top-order batters provided a very slow start, which never matched the chase despite some aggressive batting performances later. The hosts were all out for 260 runs. The 60-run loss was a big defeat for the hosts, as the tournament hardly provided a second chance. 

On Thursday, Pakistan expectedly got bad news as Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out from the tournament after suffering an injury on the second ball of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq has replaced him. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group A) Pak vs NZ: Pakistan manage shameful home record; New Zealand create history

Pakistan players penalised for slow over-rate

Now, the ICC has penalised the Pakistan team for a slow over-rate offence in the tournament opener. The team was found one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. Due to not completing 50 overs on time, Pakistan were forced to bowl the last two overs of the New Zealand innings with only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Due to one over short of the target after time allowances, Pakistan players have been fined five percent of their match fees. The fine has been imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences.

After the on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf levelled the charge, match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction. There is no formal hearing required after Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s acceptance of the charge and penalty. 

The international cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is in a big shake-up, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoff Allardice has stepped down. This big decision has come just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is less than a month away to begin.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was completely messed up by the ICC, which was hosted by the West Indies and the United States. Also, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progression is far away from setting up a strong statement. According to media reports, the ICC is under pressure for poor handling of the recent global tournaments, which is huge for its stakeholders, including the broadcasters. 

In such a pressure moment, Geoff Allardice has stepped down from the CEO role of the ICC. The governing body has confirmed this news on Tuesday (January 28). After serving the role for eight months as an acting member, he was appointed to the role in November 2021. 

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I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead: Geoff Allardice

At his step down, Allardice said, "It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council and I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members.

"I'd like to thank the ICC Chair, the board of directors and entire cricket community for their support and collaboration over the past 13 years. I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges. I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead, and I wish the ICC and the global cricket community every success in the future."

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is facing huge blocks

Pakistan has the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where eight teams will participate, including the hosts Pakistan. Due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan, they will play all their matches in the tournament in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between February 19 and March 9.

The fixtures of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were continuously delayed, while Pakistan's stadiums for the tournament are still a work in progress. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured to provide the best arrangements for the tournament, including security, there are still some doubts about the completion of the remaining works before the beginning of the tournament.