CRICKET IS BECOMIING undoubtedly globalised even as India remains the anchor market’ International Cricket Council CEO Sanjog Gupta argues.
“India is indeed the anchor market of world cricket. Its enormous fan base, financial strength, and time-tested affinity for the sport provide a platform that benefits the entire ecosystem. What is incontrovertibly evident at ICC events, however, is that the ship is sailing far beyond any single location,” he wrote in a column for ‘WPP Media Sporting Nation XIII Edition’.
“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 saw spirited performances from Associate Nations…Countries such as Nepal, Italy and the USA captured global attention by playing fearless cricket.
“At the same time, traditional competitors like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe demonstrated their too often-overlooked pedigree by storming into the Super 8s. Such moments are more than just upsets on the field; they are signals of a maturing global game,” he added.
Rise of women’s cricket
Gupta said with India’s triumph in the women’s ODI World Cup last year, the game can expect to grow rapidly going forward as it has fully unlocked an influential market.
“…India’s triumph at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, in the 50-over format and secured on home soil, carried with it enormous value. When a market of India’s scale and influence embraces women’s cricket with such passion, the ripple effects are felt far and wide,” he observed.
All three formats in harmony
There has been widespread debate on the future of ODI cricket in the face of a T20 boom and the established following for Tests. Gupta reiterated that all three formats have their own unique charm.
“While expansion is essential, the sport’s global growth must remain intertwined with its long history and tradition,” he asserted.
