The International Cricket Council (ICC) has nearly finalized its comprehensive schedule for the upcoming 2032 to 2035 cricket cycle. During the ongoing meeting of ICC members in Bali, this new schedule is expected to receive formal approval, while the upcoming cycle is set to feature a total of 6 global events, promising a packed calendar for cricket fans worldwide. The current cycle is scheduled to conclude in 2031 with the ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh, marking the transition into the new era of international cricket.
Structure of Global Events in the New Cycle
According to the plans, the ICC aims to host at least one global event every year between 2032 and 2035. As per reports from Cricbuzz, the cycle will commence with a T20 World Cup in 2032, scheduled for the months of October and November. However, the host nation for this tournament has not yet been disclosed. Following this, the World Test Championship final is slated for June 2033, while the Champions Trophy is scheduled for October of the same year. The year 2034 will once again feature the excitement of a T20 World Cup.
Status of ODI World Cup and Other Tournaments
Following the editions in 2027 and 2031, the next ODI World Cup is scheduled for 2035. However, the ICC has not yet determined a specific window for the 2035 ODI World Cup. Similarly, the window for the World Test Championship final in 2035 remains undisclosed. The ICC has already granted hosting rights to England for the World Test Championship finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031. Plus, the ICC has maintained silence regarding the format of the 2033 Champions Trophy. The Bali meeting will also see the formal approval of World Test Championship fixtures for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 cycles.
Revenue Sharing and Franchise League Review
The meeting in Bali also focuses on the distribution of revenue, with approximately 650 million US dollars available for distribution among the members. It's highly likely that this revenue will be shared based on the existing distribution formula. On top of that, the ICC Board is discussing recommendations from the Franchise League Review Group. The ICC is reconsidering its role and processes regarding the approval of T20 leagues. The primary objective of this review group is to enhance existing ICC regulations and frameworks to address the new challenges posed by the increasing number of franchise leagues, ensuring the entire cricket ecosystem remains strong and secure.