What was the Old Name of ICC? Know Its History and Transformation

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, bringing together millions of fans and players across countries. To manage international matches, tournaments, and rules, a global organization was formed in the early 1900s. Over time, it evolved and changed its name to reflect the growing reach and unity of world cricket.

What is the ICC?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the main governing body of world cricket. It creates rules, oversees player conduct, manages global tournaments, and ensures cricket continues to grow in every continent.

Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the ICC works with national cricket boards such as:

• BCCI (India)
• ECB (England)
• CA (Australia)

and others to maintain fair play, promote tournaments, and support cricket development worldwide.

Today, the ICC has over 100 member nations, helping cricket evolve from a regional game into a truly global sport.

Old Name of ICC

When the ICC was first formed in 1909, it was called the Imperial Cricket Conference.
This name reflected the influence of the British Empire, as cricket at that time was mostly played among countries that were part of it — mainly England, Australia, and South Africa.

The word “Imperial” symbolized the colonial connection and showed that cricket was, at that time, a sport limited to Commonwealth nations.

How the Name Changed Over Time?

The ICC has changed names twice in its history to reflect the game’s global growth and inclusivity.

Imperial Cricket Conference (1909-1965)

• Formed by England, Australia, and South Africa.
• Focused mainly on cricket within the British Empire.
• Limited membership — only a few countries were part of it.

International Cricket Conference (1965-1989)

• The word “Imperial” was replaced with “International.”
• This change represented cricket’s growing global reach.
• Non-Commonwealth countries were welcomed as new members.

International Cricket Council (1989-Present)

• The modern structure of the ICC began in 1989.
• It became a professional, independent governing body managing all aspects of international cricket.
• Today, it organizes tournaments, enforces rules, and ensures cricket remains fair and exciting for all.

Who Founded the ICC?

The ICC was founded in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia, and South Africa. Initially, the purpose was simple — to manage cricket matches between these nations and resolve issues related to tours, rules, and disputes.

However, as time passed, more countries like India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies joined. This helped transform cricket from a British-dominated sport into a global game.

ICC Headquarters

The ICC’s first headquarters were located at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, which is also known as the “Home of Cricket.”

In 2005, the ICC moved its base to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to:

• Be closer to its member nations across Asia and Africa
• Improve global coordination
• Take advantage of better connectivity and business opportunities

The Dubai headquarters today serve as the hub for all international cricket activities, decision-making, and event management.

ICC in Modern Cricket

With the rise of ODIs, T20 cricket, and franchise leagues, the ICC has adapted to new trends. It ensures fair competition and uses technology like Hawk-Eye, Ultra-Edge, and Snickometer for accurate decision-making.

By combining tradition with innovation, the ICC continues to guide cricket into the modern era while keeping its spirit alive.