The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stirred controversy with its tentative fixture plan for the USA leg of the 2024 T20 World Cup, slated to take place in West Indies and the USA in June.
Sources told News18 that ICC is leaning towards hosting day matches, even on weekdays, aligning with Indian prime time rather than catering to the local American audience.
This decision has raised eyebrows, especially as it contradicts the approach of Major League Cricket (MLC), which prioritized timings with the American audience in mind. The move is seen as potentially detrimental to the footfall in stadiums and the overall popularity of the game in the region, particularly given marquee fixtures like India vs Pakistan.
Industry experts question the logic behind such scheduling, emphasizing the ICC’s goal to grow the game in the USA. They argue that hosting matches at timings unfavorable to local fans might hinder the intended growth and engagement.
ICC members cry hue about training facilities
Additionally, ICC Full Members have expressed concerns about the lack of quality training facilities in the USA. The existing facilities in Florida and Dallas fall short, and construction work for a modular facility in New York is set to commence early next year.
The ICC had identified potential venues for pre-event matches and training, including George Mason University in Washington, as per a September media release. However, the practicality of utilizing college and university fields for practice remains uncertain.
Criticism is also directed at the money spent on temporary infrastructure work, leading to discontent within the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA). Concerns over cost overruns in New York, potential overuse of the venue, and the appointment of vendors are likely to be scrutinized.
As preparations continue, there is no Local Organising Committee (LoC) established in the USA, raising questions about the ICC approach to event management. Notably, individuals like Don Lockerbie and Peter Hutton are overseeing affairs, with revelations surfacing about a potentially separate “venue lobbyist” appointed by the ICC in the USA.
The controversial decisions regarding scheduling and venue arrangements may prompt a closer examination of the ICC’s planning process, especially regarding its commitment to both local and global cricketing interests.
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