01 June,2026 10:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
ICC suspends Cricket Canada (Pic: Cricket Canada)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the immediate suspension of Cricket Canada's membership following the conclusion of its high-level executive board meetings in Ahmedabad. The decisive action comes as a result of serious failures by the national governing body to meet its regulatory membership obligations.
According to an official ICC media release, the multi-day conference was held to roll out various key decisions. These initiatives focus on reinforcing administrative standards, expanding support for women's cricket and encouraging competitive innovation across the sport.
The ICC stressed that the internal administrative problems within the national board must not damage the careers of Canadian athletes. To safeguard player interests, all national representative squads will remain fully eligible to compete in official ICC events throughout the suspension period.
Financially, direct funding to Cricket Canada has been frozen. Instead, the ICC will implement a tightly monitored financial framework managed by executive staff, ensuring any released funds are used strictly to keep the national team programs running.
To regain its official status, Cricket Canada will need to satisfy a comprehensive list of structural and administrative benchmarks provided by ICC.
A major scheduling adjustment was confirmed for the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027. Originally slated for a June-July window, the tournament has been shifted to take place between February 14 and February 28, 2027.
Additionally, ICC unveiled plans to start the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026. This new 10-team tournament will feature five Full Members and five Associate Members, with team selection based entirely on global rankings and past T20 World Cup qualification history.
The board also addressed growing worries over the massive expansion of domestic franchise leagues around the world. To protect the sport's ecosystem, they resolved to set up a dedicated committee to find a healthier balance between franchise tournaments and the international cricket calendar.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: "Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC's commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally. From women's cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today's discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide."
(With ANI inputs)
