Members to discuss pitches, logistical challenges at T20 World Cup in next ICC Meet – Reports

The 2024 T20 World Cup just concluded in the Americas, with Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team winning the title for the second time in history. Although a few Group and Super 8 matches, alongside the finale in Barbados, were nerve-wracking contests, most games were either one-sided or had players complaining about the pitches and outfields, sparking a debate about the decision behind hosting the 20-team tournament in this part of the world. The next ICC Meet will take place in July.

Per the latest reports, a few members (cricket boards) are unhappy with all that unfolded within the past month. Let alone the spongy and tough pitches on offer in the USA (in New York, precisely), the logistics posed greater challenges for everyone, including the players, staff, media personnel and even the fans.

Travelling within the Caribbean islands was a nightmare for everyone, mainly for the organisers, as what should have been a one-hour flight sometimes took around 20 hours to travel between destinations.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

ALSO READ:Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI's Jay Shah spills beans on India’s participation, says ‘seniors will be there’

Several journalists, and even fans, needed more than 12 hours to travel from Antigua and Barbados, a distance that usually takes one hour via plane.More so, there were no flights from Guyana to Barbados after the semis, with the ICC providing aid to the stranded journalists and reporters by accommodating them on its charter.

Besides, several questions surrounding the scheduling were raised, aiming directly at the non-availability of the reserve day for the second semi-final between India and England in Guyana. Several experts and pundits criticised this rule, claiming India knew beforehand about the venue should they qualify for the semis, which they did.

Empty stands and game’s expansion

What added salt to injury was the 10:30 AM start for the locals to adjust viewing timing for the Southeast Asian audience, mainly from India and Pakistan, leading to empty stands during most matches, including the marquee clash between India and England. The final between India and the Proteas was also not a packed house.

Meanwhile, with the ICC expanding the number of teams to 20 in this edition, there are talks of further increasing the number to 24 the next time. This idea came from FIFA expanding the number of teams to 48 from the 2026 World Cup and Rugby World Cup, which features 24 teams.

If ICC accepts the proposal of having 24 teams, the Indian Team will then play an extra game in Group stages, with six teams of four groups or four teams of six groups could be the formula.

However, per Cricbuzz, the ICC has denied considering this idea for the next edition in 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from agencies)