The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced to grant T20 International status to all 104 member countries.
Talking to media at a press conference in Kolkata, ICC CEO David Richardson said, “All Women’s team matches will be awarded T20 International status on July 1, 2018. All the men’s team matches will be given T20 International status on January 1, 2019.”
In the wake of the recent ball-tampering scandal, the ICC also said that they intend to take stricter action.
“We want penalties, fines are not proving to be an answer. We want cricket committee to review current penalties and come to us with recommendations. We’re planning to get the likes of Allan Border, Shaun Pollock on the committee,” Richardson further said.
“There were some concerns that we will not be able to get to an agreement as to which team would play who. Fortunately, all the fixtures making up to this league were agreed,” Richardson added.
Talking about the bilateral cricket matches between arch-rival India and Pakistan, Richardson said: “There is a common desire that it will be great if India & Pakistan can play each other, specifically in bilateral series. The issue is quite complicated I am afraid. It is going to take a lot than just two boards agreeing.”
“In all likelihood, the Champions Trophy in 2021 will be a World T20. There are occasions where T20 Leagues are competing with international bilateral series. We need to look at our regulations to see how we can allow that to happen.”
Richardson also talked about the possibility of cricket being a part of the Olympics.
Richardson said: “If we can get all of the cricket united in a desire to be a part of Olympics, I think, we have a good chance of persuading International Olympic Committee that cricket is a sport that can add value to the Olympics.”