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Doha to Host ICC Board Meetings in March, Marking Qatar's Cricket Rise

The International Cricket Council has announced Doha, Qatar, as the host for its upcoming Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27. This decision underscores the ICC's deepening partnership with Qatar's sporting bodies and highlights the nation's expanding role in global cricket. Remarkable growth has been seen in Qatar, with overall cricket participation surging by 447% since 2020, largely due to inclusion in school programmes and targeted festivals. The meetings will gather key leaders to discuss the future of the sport, using Qatar's progress as a model for strategic growth in emerging markets.

Key Points: ICC Board Meetings Set for Doha in March 2025

  • Doha hosts ICC meetings March 25-27
  • Qatar cricket participation up 447% since 2020
  • Growth driven by school Olympic programme
  • Criiio festivals introduced cricket to new audiences
2 min read

Doha to host ICC Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27

The ICC will hold its Board and Committee meetings in Doha, Qatar, from March 25-27, highlighting the sport's rapid growth in the region.

"The decision to stage the meetings in Doha reflects the ICC's growing engagement with cricket in Qatar - ICC"

Dubai, Feb 22

The International Cricket Council on Sunday said that Doha, Qatar, will host the next round of ICC Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27.

Last year, in a historic first, Zimbabwe hosted the ICC Board and Committee meetings, marking a major milestone for the country's standing in the global game. The prestigious gatherings took place in Harare on April 10 and 11, before moving to the world-renowned Victoria Falls from April 12 to 13, 2025.

"The decision to stage the meetings in Doha reflects the ICC's growing engagement with cricket in Qatar and the country's wider sporting ecosystem. The ICC's support of and collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association and Olympic Committee, Cricket in Qatar has fuelled remarkable progress for the sport in recent years," the ICC said in a release.

The meetings will bring together ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee Members and senior leadership as part of the organisation's ongoing governance calendar, providing an important opportunity to deliberate over key matters pertaining to the present and future of the global game.

Since 2020, overall participation in cricket in Qatar has grown by an impressive 447 per cent, driven largely by initiatives aimed at introducing the sport to new and younger audiences. Central to this growth has been cricket's inclusion in the Qatar Olympic Committee's School Olympic Programme, which has helped embed the game within schools across the country.

More recently, the launch of ICC's Criiio Cricket Festivals has further expanded cricket's reach, with 287 school teams taking part in the previous edition and nearly 90 per cent of participants experiencing cricket for the first time.

The ICC sees this sustained progress as a strong example of how strategic partnerships and grassroots investment can accelerate the growth of the game in emerging markets while also aligning with cricket's growing global significance.

Hosting the ICC's Board and Committee meetings in Doha underlines Qatar's increasing role within the international cricket community and provides a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the collaboration between the ICC, the Qatar Cricket Association and key national sporting stakeholders.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While growing the game is important, I hope the ICC doesn't forget its traditional strongholds. The heart of cricket is still in South Asia. Investments here, especially in women's cricket and domestic infrastructure, need to keep pace with this global expansion.
R
Rohit P
Doha makes sense logistically, but part of me wishes these important meetings were held in a full member nation more often. Zimbabwe hosting was a great gesture. The focus should remain on cricket's soul, not just the shiny new venues. Just my two paise.
S
Sarah B
The Criiio Cricket Festivals sound like a brilliant initiative! Getting 90% first-time participants is how you create new fans. If Qatar can do it, other non-traditional markets can too. The future of cricket is truly global.
V
Vikram M
Strategic partnerships are key. Qatar has the infrastructure and the will to host big events. After the FIFA World Cup, they know how to manage global sports. Maybe we'll see an Asia Cup or even a World Cup match there in the future? The Gulf is becoming a major sports hub.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian cricket fan, I love this. More countries playing cricket means more competition and more exciting tournaments. The IPL has shown the world our passion. Let's share the game! Hope the ICC discusses more bilateral series for associate nations.

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