ICC grants T20I status to all 104-member countries

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The International Cricket Council announced on Thursday (April 26) that all its 104-member nations – both men and women’s team – will be granted T20I status.

ICC CEO David Richardson confirmed the development in a press conference in Kolkata, and also stated that a global ranking system will be launched for the format.

At present, there are 18 members with T20I status – 12 full members plus Scotland, Netherlands, Hong Kong, UAE, Oman and Nepal.

“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,” Richardson said.

On the proliferation of T20 leagues

The ICC also discussed T20 leagues and their impact on international calendars. Earlier this year, there were reports doing the rounds that from the year 2020, there won’t be any international cricket played during the IPL – paving the way for a separate window for the T20 league.

Richardson said: “There are occasions where they [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 India, Pakistan not being part of the first FTP

“There is a common desire that it will be great if India and Pakistan can play each other, specifically in bilateral series. The issue is quite complicated I am afraid, it is going to take a lot more than just two boards agreeing,” Richardson said.