ICC Governance Structure — How International Cricket Is Run
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Learn how it is structured, who votes, and how it makes decisions that affect the game worldwide.
What Is the ICC?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket, responsible for organising international competitions, administering the Laws in consultation with the MCC, managing finances, and developing the game globally. Founded in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference, it was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965 and the ICC in 1989.
ICC Membership Structure
- Full Members (12 nations) — Australia, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland. These nations play Test cricket and have full voting rights.
- Associate Members (80+ nations) — nations where cricket is developing; play in ICC tournaments but not Test cricket.
- Affiliate Members — nations where cricket is played but not yet at Associate level.
ICC Tournaments and Revenues
The ICC's primary revenue sources are media rights for its events — Men's Cricket World Cup (ODI), Men's T20 World Cup, Women's World Cup, Women's T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and World Test Championship. The broadcast rights to these events, especially the Indian market rights, generate billions of dollars. Revenue is distributed to member boards according to a formula heavily weighted toward Full Members, with India (BCCI) receiving the largest share.
The Role of the BCCI
India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the most powerful individual board in world cricket due to India's market size and the value of the Indian broadcast market. BCCI influence has shaped ICC policy on revenue distribution, tournament scheduling, and DRS adoption. The ICC's decisions frequently reflect the need to maintain BCCI cooperation.
ICC Decision Making
The ICC Board comprises representatives of Full Member countries. Major decisions require a majority vote, with some changes requiring a two-thirds supermajority. An ICC Executive Committee handles day-to-day governance between board meetings. The ICC Chair is elected by members — chairs have included Shashank Manohar (India) and Greg Barclay (New Zealand).
Frequently asked questions
Where is the ICC headquartered?
The ICC is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, having relocated from Lord's Cricket Ground in 2005. Dubai's tax-efficient environment and central geographic position between major cricket markets influenced the move.
Does the ICC own the Laws of Cricket?
No — the Laws of Cricket are owned and maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord's Cricket Ground. The ICC works with the MCC on rule changes and interpretations but does not have unilateral authority to change the Laws.