The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially called off its board and committee meetings scheduled for March 25–27 in Doha, Qatar. The decision stems from the escalating military conflict in West Asia, involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has caused significant disruptions to regional airspace and international travel.
While the ICC had hoped to use the Doha gathering to celebrate Qatar’s 447% growth in cricket participation, the safety of delegates took precedence. Urgent discussions, particularly those involving the Finance Committee, will now shift to a virtual format over the coming weeks. The governing body remains hopeful about holding in-person meetings in April, provided regional security and flight schedules stabilize.
Major Postponements and Impacted Agenda
The cancellation puts several high-stakes cricketing decisions on hold:
- Broadcasting Rights: Negotiations for global rights post-2027 (following the current JioStar deal).
- Future Tours Programme (FTP): Planning the international calendar for the next four-year cycle.
- LA 2028 Olympics: Finalizing the qualification pathway for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games.
Regional Cricket Disrupted
The conflict has also forced the indefinite postponement of the white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, which was set to begin on March 13 in the UAE. Logistics became impossible after Dubai airport faced brief closures due to drone and missile activity in the Gulf. Additionally, teams like the West Indies and South Africa, returning from the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 in India, faced significant delays being stranded in Kolkata before alternate routes were secured.