The recently concluded T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, has come under the scanner with the International Cricket Council (ICC) set to conduct an audit at its upcoming board meeting in Colombo. Discontent among board members regarding the organization of the tournament has been cooking, leading up to the resignation of ICC’s head of events, Chris Tetley.
Sources close to the ICC have revealed that member boards have expressed their disapproval of the high expenses incurred during the US leg of the tournament. Specific questions have been raised about the selection of New York City as a central venue, particularly considering the need for a temporary stadium.
“The audit is still ongoing,” revealed an ICC source. “There are assumptions that the ICC may have incurred losses in ticketing as well in the USA leg. The tournament looked mismanaged. The performance of the New York stadium wasn’t up to the mark.”
The upcoming board meeting will explore the potential budget overruns incurred by the organizing committee. Taking mainstream cricket to the USA was always considered a significant undertaking, but the ICC faces the challenge of balancing ambition with responsible financial management.
“The board will discuss how the organizing committee may have overshot the allocated budget,” the source added. “The ICC team has worked hard to conduct the tournament but expenses need to be checked at the same time.”
While Chris Tetley’s resignation coincides with the concerns surrounding the T20 World Cup, sources suggest it may be part of a longer-term plan. Discussions about his departure had reportedly been ongoing with ICC bosses for the past year.
“There are back-to-back ICC events which started with the ODI World Cup last year,” explained the source. “Tetley and another executive were asked to stay on for a while to oversee a smooth transition. They may be asked to stay on till the Women’s T20 World Cup in October or the Champions Trophy in February. That call will be taken in the ICC’s board meeting.”
The ICC’s upcoming audit and Tetley’s resignation mark a critical juncture for the organization. A thorough review of the T20 World Cup and finances and a transparent discussion about future event planning are essential to ensure the responsible use of funds and the smooth running of upcoming tournaments.
The focus should not solely be on financial wisdom but also on ensuring a positive experience for players, fans, and member nations. The ICC must find a way to balance its vision of expanding cricket’s global reach with the need for efficient organization and fiscal responsibility.
