Reports: ICC to allow 23-member squads for all world events

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly made some changes for global events. The apex cricket board has pruned down the squad members from 25 to 23 for the ICC tournaments. The rule has already come to the fore and may be getting applied in the U19 World Cup in South Africa. It could end up affecting teams like India, England and Australia, who have big contingents.

The current Indian squad, led by Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, for the tour of New Zealand has as many as 28 members- 15 players, two throwdown specialists, four coaches, one physiotherapist, one trainer, one manager, one masseur, one logistics manager and one media manager. Previously, it was learned that one England team had sent a 28-member team for an ICC event.

Probable problems for the ICC T20 World Cup

As per reports in Mumbai Mirror, the T20 World Cup in Australia, starting February 21, could also follow the rule. Anil Patel, the manager of the India U19 team, is doubling up as the media manager. In the same way, Tripti Bhattacharya, the manager of the India women’s team would also do the same in Australia. However, there could be problems during the men’s T20 World Cup.

The ICC would also not allow extra members with the squad even if its at the expense of the board members. In 2015, India had carried Dhawal Kulkarni as an unofficial player during the 2015 World Cup as a 16th man of MS Dhoni’s team. Rishabh Pant was the unofficial name in the 2019 edition of the World Cup after opener Shikhar Dhawan injured his thumb in India’s second encounter.

The new tactic has been formulated in order to cut down on the expenses and reduce the logistical burden. It’s been known that the decision has been taken during a board meeting in 2018. A member of the ICC has told that the new rule was meant to be applied from 2020 onwards.

It will now be interesting to see how the BCCI reacts to it. Also, it remains to be seen how the teams adjust with their members in the support staff for the upcoming ICC events.