Key Topics on the Agenda for ICC Meetings in Dubai

The upcoming ICC meetings in Dubai will address critical issues such as the fallout from the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, governance challenges in USA Cricket, and disputes over player image rights. With tensions high and significant financial implications at stake, stakeholders are hopeful for resolutions. The meetings will also cover strategic plans for cricket's future in global multi-sport events and updates on qualification pathways for upcoming tournaments. Stay tuned for insights into how these discussions may shape the future of cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 01:14 IST

Major Issues at the ICC Dubai Meetings

The forthcoming quarterly meetings of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai are set to focus on three significant matters: the aftermath of the intense India-Pakistan match during the Asia Cup 2025, the governance challenges facing USA Cricket (USAC), and the ongoing conflict regarding player image rights between the ICC and the World Cricketers' Association (WCA), according to reports from a sports news outlet. The Cricket Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) will convene on November 5, followed by the ICC Board meeting on November 7, where these topics are anticipated to be addressed.

While the Asia Cup issue is not officially listed on the agenda, it is likely to arise during the Board discussions. The relationship between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has mirrored the political tensions between the two nations this year, culminating in a heated atmosphere during the Asia Cup, where the teams clashed three times. The tournament was surrounded by controversy, including the BCCI's decision to avoid handshakes. Four players—Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sahibzada Farhan—faced reprimands from the ICC for actions deemed political. A particularly contentious issue remains the Asia Cup trophy itself. India, having secured the title by defeating Pakistan in the final, declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman and head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The trophy has not been publicly displayed since, with reports indicating it is still in an ACC office in the UAE. Naqvi has asserted that he will present the trophy as ACC chief, but it remains uncertain whether he will attend the meeting in person or virtually. Despite the prevailing tensions, board members recognize the financial and global significance of fostering positive relations between India and Pakistan, with some expressing hope for a resolution during this week's discussions.

Dispute Over Player Image Rights

The ICC is also facing a growing dispute with the World Cricketers' Association (WCA) concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. The ICC is planning to launch a cricket-themed mobile and console game, but the WCA has raised objections, claiming that the ICC proceeded without consulting players collectively. The WCA communicated with its 600 global members, excluding players from India and Pakistan, accusing the ICC of bypassing an existing agreement regarding player image rights. During the ICC's annual conference in July, some members suggested that boards should negotiate directly with their players about image rights, a move the WCA contends violates the previously established agreement with the ICC. The association has since accused the ICC and certain member boards of attempting to claim ownership over players' NIL rights beyond what was previously agreed. The CEC is expected to receive updates from members regarding their progress in securing these rights.

Strategic Refresh and Upcoming Events

Another critical topic on the agenda will be the ICC's medium-term strategic refresh, which aims to explore new funding models and enhance cricket's participation in global multi-sport events, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The CEC is likely to receive updates on the qualification pathways for the LA Olympics, marking cricket's return to the event for the first time since 1900. Additionally, qualification pathways for upcoming ICC events will be reviewed, including the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup (co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia), the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup (to be held in Australia and New Zealand), the 2027 Women's Champions Trophy, and the 2029 Women's ODI World Cup. A proposal to maintain the 50-over format for the Under-19 World Cup, aimed at assisting Associate members in strengthening their domestic structures, will also be considered.

Governance Issues in USA Cricket

On September 23, the ICC suspended USAC immediately due to serious breaches, including bringing the game into disrepute and failing to meet membership criteria. USAC narrowly avoided suspension in July after committing to reforms by October 20, but subsequently terminated its contract with American Cricket Enterprise (ACE) and filed for bankruptcy, citing financial restructuring. The ICC responded negatively to this development. The suspension has complicated the ICC's collaboration with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which has indicated it will not grant National Governing Body (NGB) status to USAC in its current form, a status crucial for cricket's participation in the Los Angeles Olympics. In October, the ICC outlined steps for USAC to lift its suspension, stating that bankruptcy proceedings violated membership rules and urging the organization to resolve them satisfactorily. With funding currently frozen, the ICC has agreed to support only cricketing operations for the time being. USAC is expected to reach out to the ICC Board this week for clarification.