The recent T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean has left a sour taste in the mouths of some ICC Board directors, with concerns about financial mismanagement and underwhelming execution threatening to overshadow the on-field action.
Red flags raised over US-Leg Expenditure
The spotlight shines particularly brightly on the USA leg of the tournament, which hosted 16 of the 55 matches. Initial estimates suggested a budget of $40-50 million for the US leg, with $30 million dedicated to constructing the temporary stadium outside New York City. However, a last-minute request for an additional $20 million from T20 World Cup USA Inc., the entity created to run the US leg, sent shockwaves through the ICC Board as per ESPNcricinfo.
Directors expressed outrage and alarm at the lack of transparency, questioning why such a significant increase wasn’t flagged earlier. One official clarified that the $20 million was not an additional budget request but rather a cash flow loan to cover operational expenses.
This explanation, however, failed to appease several board members, including Dr. Kishore Shallow (CWI President), Imran Khwaja (ICC Deputy Chairman), Pankaj Khimji (ICC Associate Director), and heads of other Full Member boards. Khimji reportedly even called for an investigation into the US leg’s finances.
Communication Breakdown and Pitch Concerns
Adding fuel to the fire was the breakdown in communication between T20 World Cup USA Inc. and the CWI-appointed Local Organizing Committee (LOC). This, coupled with the questionable quality of pitches at some venues, has led to further scrutiny.
The slow and uneven pitches, particularly during the South Africa vs. Afghanistan semi-final, raised concerns about their suitability for T20 cricket. Additionally, the absence of Andy Atkinson, the ICC’s usual pitch consultant, during the tournament, fueled speculation about a lack of oversight.
Empty stands in Caribbean
The Caribbean leg also faced issues, with swathes of empty seats at many venues, including the tournament opener in Guyana. While day matches aimed at prime-time Indian viewership were a contributing factor, the CWI’s marketing budget, the largest for any T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean, also came under question.
Directors are seeking answers about how effectively this budget was used to engage a broader audience beyond the existing cricket fanbase with South Asian roots.
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Accountability and transparency demanded
With the ICC Board set to meet in Colombo this weekend, a thorough review of the T20 World Cup is expected. The primary focus will be on the CWI, as the main host, and senior ICC management. Questions regarding financial accountability and transparency are likely to take center stage.
While the aim of exploiting the American market and potentially reaching a new audience prior to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may have seen some success, the financial irregularities and operational issues threaten to overshadow those gains.
The final answers will likely surface during the October round of ICC quarterly meetings, where the audited accounts for the World Cup are presented for board review. Until then, the cloud of financial mismanagement hangs over the tournament, casting a shadow on what should have been a celebration of cricket.
