The ICC is considering stricter regulations for franchise cricket amid growing concerns over betting and match-fixing, according to reports from its Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. The governing body is reviewing measures to strengthen anti-corruption systems across domestic leagues.
The ICC is also discussing changes to the approval process for new franchise tournaments. Officials want stronger checks before allowing new leagues to operate, especially in non-full member nations, as the governing body looks to protect the integrity of the game and reduce corruption risks.
ICC Plans Stricter Rules to Tackle Corruption in Franchise Cricket
The ICC is discussing stronger measures to tackle betting and match-fixing in franchise cricket during its Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. The governing body believes newly launched T20 leagues are more vulnerable to corruption and wants to strengthen anti-corruption measures.
According to a BBC Sport report, the ICC's integrity unit has found growing evidence that corrupt groups are targeting players and leagues in different countries. The report said the ICC is planning to create a working group to improve the regulation of franchise cricket and strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
The report stated:
"In documentation seen by BBC Sport, the ICC's integrity unit have reported there is 'growing evidence' that corrupters were 'infiltrating leagues and players across a number of different member territories'."
"The ICC are now planning to establish a working party which will seek to harmonise franchise cricket within the international calendar and examine how corruption could be tackled more effectively. As part of the steps taken to mitigate the concerns, the ICC's executive committee will discuss a number of wider strategies during their ongoing annual general meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh."
ICC Considers Stricter Approval Process for New T20 Leagues
According to the report, the ICC also wants to tighten the approval process for new domestic franchise leagues. Officials believe the current rules make it too easy for non-full member nations to launch competitions, creating opportunities for illegal betting and match-fixing.
Under the existing regulations, a non-full member country can organize a franchise league if it signs more than four players from full-member nations who have represented their countries within the previous 24 months. The ICC is now considering stricter requirements before approving future tournaments.
The governing body also plans to establish a dedicated group to better align franchise leagues with the international calendar while strengthening oversight and anti-corruption measures across domestic cricket.
Cricket Canada Suspension Highlights ICC's Concerns
The ICC recently suspended Cricket Canada because of serious breaches of its membership obligations. According to reports, match manipulation was one of the major concerns behind the decision, although it was not mentioned in the ICC's public statement.
Cricket USA was also suspended last year, while France and Italy remain under investigation over governance issues. Despite the suspension, Canada's national teams will continue to compete in ICC events.
The ICC will provide funding through a controlled system for approved national team programs while a Normalisation Committee monitors Cricket Canada's progress toward meeting the conditions for reinstatement.
Meanwhile, Mauritius is set to become a new ICC member after meeting all the required criteria. Colombia, Poland, Latvia, Burundi, and Burkina Faso did not meet the requirements for membership.
In another mega development, IPL matches are likely to be held in Australia as BCCI and Cricket Australia discuss a landmark proposal.
