The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced a new World Cricket Connects advisory board, which will replace the club’s previous World Cricket Committee. In a significant development for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chair and former Secretary of the BCCI, has been named as one of the 13 founding members of the newly formed advisory board. This move signals a new direction in the governance and future of world cricket, with key figures from various aspects of the sport coming together to provide guidance and influence.
MCC’s Strategic Shift and New Advisory Board
The World Cricket Connects forum, launched by the MCC, serves as a platform for discussing and addressing the most pressing issues and developments within the global cricket landscape. Last year, Jay Shah was notably absent from the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum at Lord’s, a key event that brought together over 100 influential voices in the world of cricket to debate the state of the game. However, Shah’s inclusion in the new advisory board marks a significant step in the direction of an even more inclusive and influential gathering of cricket’s key figures.
The formation of this new advisory board reflects the MCC’s commitment to an evolving, inclusive approach to the game, and the focus will now shift from the previous World Cricket Committee to a more dynamic and strategic group of leaders. Shah, along with other prominent members, will now provide valuable insights on shaping the future of global cricket.
The Role and Structure of the New Advisory Board
The World Cricket Connects advisory board will be led by Kumar Sangakkara, the former MCC president and one of cricket’s most respected figures. Sangakkara’s leadership adds a layer of expertise and wisdom, with a deep understanding of cricket’s rich history and its evolving challenges. Other members of the board include Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, and Andrew Strauss, all of whom bring significant experience from both playing and administrative roles in the sport.
Noteworthy Members and Their Contributions
Among the other founding members is Heather Knight, the captain of the England women’s cricket team, whose inclusion signifies the growing importance of women’s cricket in global discussions. Sanjog Gupta, the CEO of JioStar (Sports), also joins the board, bringing a fresh perspective from the business and commercial side of the game.
Other important members include Chris Dehring, CEO of CWI (Cricket West Indies), and Anurag Dahiya, ICC’s Chief Commercial Officer, alongside a host of other influential figures such as Mel Jones, Trudy Lindblade, the CEO of Cricket Scotland, and Heath Mills, Chair of the World Cricketers’ Association.
The World Cricket Connects advisory board will meet virtually throughout the year to discuss key issues and developments in the sport, and they will gather in person after the symposium at Lord’s, scheduled for June 7 and 8. The timing of this event is significant, as it will take place just before the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, ensuring that discussions are aligned with the highest levels of international cricket competition.
Key Objectives of the Advisory Board
MCC Chairman Mark Nicholas expressed excitement about the formation of the advisory board, highlighting its composition of some of the best minds in cricket, drawn from various areas relevant to the sport. Nicholas emphasized that the board would shape the annual World Cricket Connects agenda, which in turn will guide and facilitate discussions at the forum. The ultimate aim is to maximise the impact of the event on the future health of the game.
The World Cricket Connects forum has already proven to be a significant platform for fostering global cricketing dialogue. This year’s event, which will be staged in June 2025, is set to bring together some of the game’s most influential figures to engage in debates on the critical topics affecting the sport today, such as innovation, sustainability, and global governance.
Legacy of the World Cricket Committee and Its Influence
The World Cricket Committee, established in 2006, was an independent body that held significant sway over the direction of the game despite having no formal power. Its recommendations, however, were widely adopted by the ICC, and they led to several landmark changes in the sport. Among the most notable recommendations were the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS), the creation of the World Test Championship, the adoption of day-night Test cricket, and the implementation of a shot clock to improve slow over-rates in international matches.
The new advisory board takes the mantle from the World Cricket Committee, expanding its reach and influence to encompass a more diverse set of voices from across the globe. The aim is to continue driving the evolution of cricket and ensure that the sport remains relevant, engaging, and sustainable for generations to come.
Summary of the News
Why in News | Details |
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Formation of New Advisory Board | The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced a new World Cricket Connects advisory board, replacing the former World Cricket Committee. |
Key Member | Jay Shah, ICC Chair and former BCCI Secretary, is one of the 13 founding members of the new advisory board. |
Focus of the Advisory Board | The board will provide guidance and influence on shaping the future of global cricket. |
Key Forum | The World Cricket Connects forum, a platform to discuss global cricket issues, will be held annually. |
Leadership of the Advisory Board | Kumar Sangakkara, former MCC president, will chair the advisory board, bringing expertise and leadership. |
Noteworthy Members | The board includes Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, Andrew Strauss, Heather Knight, Sanjog Gupta, and others. |
Scheduled Event | The second World Cricket Connects forum is scheduled for June 7-8, 2025, just before the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. |
Objectives of the Advisory Board | The board aims to shape the annual World Cricket Connects agenda, discussing innovation, sustainability, and governance. |
Legacy of the World Cricket Committee | The previous committee’s recommendations influenced ICC policies, such as DRS, World Test Championship, and day-night Tests. |
Expansion of Influence | The new advisory board broadens its influence by including diverse voices from various sectors of the sport. |