In a major boost to Cricket Boards of United States of America (USA), Namibia and Scotland, the International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed the 14 host countries of the ICC men’s white ball events in the upcoming 2024-2031 cycle. The awarding of the events to preferred hosts is subject to the completion of the host agreements and the ICC will now work closely with Members to finalize arrangements. 17 Members submitted a total of 28 proposals to host the eight ICC Men’s white ball events.
While Scotland have previously co-hosted the Cricket World Cup event in 1999, it will be first time that USA and Namibia will be co-hosting the ICC marquee events. USA Cricket and Cricket West Indies (CWI) will be hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be utmost importance for ICC to showcase the sport globally and improve its chances to have it featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and has been a strategic plan to promote and develop cricket and related commercial activity in North America and the Caribbean region.
Cricket Namibia will be co-hosting the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in collaboration with Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). Kenya co-hosted the tournament when it took place in the Africa region back in 2003, where Namibia made their maiden appearance in the 50-overs tournament. With Namibia’s performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman applauded by everyone, this hosting opportunity further provides the Cricket Board to grow the sport in the country, which has already seen a massive rise in the past couple of years in the grass-roots level.
Cricket Scotland will co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament in 2030 in collaboration with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Ireland. Scotland have previously hosted Global Qualifiers for T20 World Cup events, but to host the main event in itself will be a massive opportunity, provided how limited International cricket is played at home in a calendar year with only a handful of teams visiting them for bi-lateral tours (which is definitely improving and scheduled plans were dented due to COVID-19 in 2020).
