ICC Faces Pressure to Recognize T10 as Official Cricket Format

The world of cricket may soon witness a significant development as the International Cricket Council (ICC) faces increasing calls to officially recognize T10 cricket as a legitimate format. As the shortest version of the game, T10 confines each team to just 10 overs, and its rising popularity is pushing some member nations to seek its formal acknowledgment.

During a recent ICC board meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, held from April 10 to 13, informal discussions took place regarding the possibility of granting T10 cricket official List A status. If approved, this would mean that statistics from T10 matches would become a formal part of players’ career records. Nations like the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe already have domestic T10 leagues, amplifying calls for its recognition on a global scale.

The first major T10 league was organized in the United Arab Emirates in 2017. Since then, the format has become increasingly popular, attracting top-tier cricketers from around the globe. The demand is growing for the ICC to move forward and recognize T10 cricket in an official capacity.

The ICC is navigating these discussions while also considering potential changes to One Day International (ODI) matches. Specifically, the ICC Cricket Committee, led by Sourav Ganguly, has recommended a return to using a single ball per innings. This would reverse the practice established in 2011, reintegrating reverse swing as a tactical element.

As the cricket community awaits the ICC’s decision on these deliberations, the future of T10 cricket hangs in the balance, holding the potential to reshape aspects of the sport’s competitive landscape. Should the ICC decide in favor of T10’s official recognition, it could mark the start of a new era in modern cricket.