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Cricket Governance: How Global Leaders Protect Players and Keep the Game Fair
Have you ever wondered who makes the rules when a cricket team loses its home ground due to war? Or what happens when players can’t return to their country? The recent story of Afghan cricketers facing displacement reveals something fascinating about how cricket is managed at the highest level – and it’s more complex than you might think.
What is Cricket Governance?
Cricket governance is the system that controls how cricket is organized, managed, and regulated around the world. Think of it like the rules and people who run your school – but for the entire cricket world.
At the top sits the International Cricket Council (ICC), which acts like the “principal” of world cricket. Below them are national cricket boards in each country, like BCCI in India or Cricket Australia. These organizations work together to make sure cricket is played fairly, safely, and professionally everywhere.
Why Does Cricket Need Governance?
Imagine playing a game where everyone followed different rules. Chaos, right? That’s why cricket governance matters so much.
These governing bodies handle important tasks:

Making and enforcing rules for how the game is played
Organizing international tournaments like the World Cup
Protecting player rights and welfare
Managing finances and ensuring fair distribution of money
Handling disputes between countries or players
Fighting corruption and match-fixing

The Structure: Who’s in Charge?
Cricket governance works like a pyramid. At the peak is the ICC, which has 108 member countries. Not all members are equal though – there are three categories:
Full Members (12 countries): These teams can play Test cricket and have full voting rights. Countries like India, England, Australia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan belong here.
Associate Members: Countries developing their cricket programs, with limited voting power.
The ICC Board: This is where the big decisions happen. Representatives from different countries meet to discuss and vote on important matters.
How Governance Protects Players
The Afghan cricket situation shows cricket governance at work in real-time. When players face political instability or conflict in their home countries, the ICC and other cricket boards must step in.
Player welfare programs include:

Providing safe training facilities in neutral countries
Arranging temporary “home grounds” for matches
Offering financial support during crises
Ensuring career continuity despite displacement
Mental health support for affected athletes

This isn’t just charity – it’s part of how cricket governance ensures the sport stays truly international and protects human rights.
Financial Management in Cricket
Money is a huge part of cricket governance. The ICC generates revenue through:

Broadcasting rights (TV companies pay billions to show matches)
Sponsorships and advertising
Tournament hosting fees
Merchandise sales

This money gets distributed among member nations through a revenue-sharing model. Full member countries receive larger shares, but the system aims to develop cricket in smaller nations too.
The governance system must ensure this money is spent properly on developing cricket infrastructure, paying players fairly, and growing the game.
Challenges in Modern Cricket Governance
Cricket’s governing bodies face several ongoing challenges:
Political Interference: Sometimes governments try to control national cricket boards, which threatens the sport’s independence.
Balancing Power: Wealthy cricket boards (like India’s BCCI) have enormous influence. Governance must ensure smaller nations still have a voice.
Format Debates: Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s all compete for space. Cricket governance must decide how to balance traditional and modern formats.
Player Safety: From handling dangerous bowling to managing pandemic protocols, governance systems must constantly adapt.
Anti-Corruption: Match-fixing remains a threat requiring constant vigilance and strong enforcement.
The Role of National Cricket Boards
While the ICC oversees international cricket, national cricket boards manage the game within their countries. They:

Select national teams
Organize domestic competitions
Develop grassroots cricket programs
Build stadiums and training facilities
Handle player contracts and salaries

These boards must follow ICC guidelines while adapting to their country’s unique situation.
Why Governance Matters to Fans
You might think cricket governance is boring administrative stuff, but it directly affects what you