Historic decision from ICC: All 104 nations getting T20 status

Sports Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a press conference on Thursday where they addressed a string of important issues pertaining to the game.

ICC CEO David Richardson spoke to the media and reflected on one key update. T20 International status will be granted to all 104 members after the ICC meeting in Kolkata.

"All Women's team matches will be awarded T20 International status on July 1st 2018. All the men's team matches will be given T20 International status on January 1st 2019," said Richardson.

The ICC also intends to take stricter action in terms of Code and Conduct among players, in light of the recent ball-tampering saga which led to one-year bans for Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner.

"We want penalties, fines are not proving to be an answer. We want cricket committee to review current penalties and come to us with recommendations. We're planning to get the likes of Allan Border,Shaun Pollock on the committee," said Richardson.

"There were some concerns that we will not be able to get to an agreement as to which team would play who. Fortunately, all the fixtures making up to this league were agreed," he added.

On India-Pakistan bilateral cricket, Richardson said: "There is a common desire that it will be great if India & Pakistan can play each other, specifically in bilateral series. The issue is quite complicated I am afraid. It is going to take a lot than just two boards agreeing."

"In all likelihood the Champions Trophy in 2021 will be a World T20 There are occasions where T20 Leagues are competing with international bilateral series. We need to look at our regulations to see how we can allow that to happen."

On cricket being a part of the Olympics, Richardson said: "If we can get all of cricket united in a desire to be a part of Olympics, i think we have a good chance of persuading International Olympic Committee that Cricket is a sport that can add value to the Olympics."

Source: Agencies

risingbd/Dhaka/April 26, 2018/A K Azad