MCC’s Proposal Shakes Up Bilateral ODIs and Empowers Test Cricket

The MCC World Cricket committee (WCC) has put forth a groundbreaking proposal that has the potential to reshape the landscape of international cricket. This proposal aims to create strategic funds to foster the growth and development of Test and women’s cricket, while also advocating for a significant reduction in bilateral One-Day International matches.

Embracing Equitable Schedules for All Full Member Countries

In its recommendations to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WCC emphasizes the need for an equitable schedule of matches for all full member countries beyond 2027. The objective is to ensure fair rewards for both host and touring nations, promoting a balanced and inclusive approach to the Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Enhancing the Quality of ODI Cricket

The WCC raises pertinent questions about the role of men’s One-Day International cricket outside of the World Cups. To enhance the quality of ODI cricket, the committee suggests a substantial reduction in bilateral matches following the completion of the upcoming World Cup in India. The aim is to create a more competitive environment by limiting bilateral matches, except for the one-year period leading up to each World Cup. By doing so, the MCC believes this measure would not only enhance the quality of ODI cricket but also provide much-needed breathing space in the global cricketing calendar.

Preserving the Integrity of Test Match Cricket

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by countries other than cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, and England when hosting men’s Test matches, the committee underlines the need to establish a Test Fund. The lack of quantifiable data on the costs associated with hosting Test matches across ICC member nations is a concern that needs to be addressed. To gain a clearer picture, the MCC proposes an audit of operational costs versus commercial return for Test matches. This financial audit would enable the ICC to identify nations in need of support to sustain a Test match program. Subsequently, a separate Test fund could be created to address this need, preserving the integrity of Test match cricket.

Empowering Women’s Cricket Globally

In an era where women’s cricket is gaining significant momentum, the MCC puts forth measures to drive the growth of women’s cricket globally. It highlights the importance of investment in women’s cricket by urging each nation to field a women’s team and commit to their women’s pathway and national team. To support this objective effectively, the committee proposes the creation of a substantial and ring-fenced ICC Strategic Fund. This fund would be allocated on a required basis to both full member and associate nations that demonstrate a commitment to women’s cricket. By investing in women’s cricket, nations can ensure its continued growth and development.

Addressing the Widening Disparity

The MCC seeks to address the widening disparity between cricket boards. It recognizes that the current revenue-sharing model heavily favors a minority that dominates the system, potentially jeopardizing the benefit to the international game as a whole. This statement comes at a crucial time as ICC boards gather to decide on the revenue-sharing formula among members in Durban. The MCC proposes a more democratic and inclusive approach that benefits the whole sport of cricket.

Maximizing the Generational Opportunity

Upon the conclusion of the recent meeting, Mike Gatting, the departing chair of the WCC, stressed the importance of the ICC taking a democratic and inclusive approach to maximize the generational opportunity presented by the record sale of media rights for ICC Global Events. Gatting emphasizes that while cricket may seem financially strong on the surface, it is crucial to adopt a long-term, viable strategy that future-proofs the game in each country. This strategy should encompass financial stability and increased participation, ultimately benefiting the entire cricketing community.