#icc

Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Set to Break Records with Historic Prize Fund Increase The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant boost to the prize money for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a 10 percent increase from the 2024 edition. The tournament, set to be hosted by England and Wales, will feature 12 teams and will commence on June 12, with England facing Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. The total prize pool for the event has risen to $8.765 million (£6.528 million), reflecting the growing investment in women’s cricket and its global appeal. The winners of the 2026 tournament will receive $2.34 million (£1.74 million), while the runners-up will take home $1.17 million (£871,024). This remains the same as the 2024 prize distribution, but all 12 participating teams are guaranteed a minimum of $247,500 (£184,245), a more than double increase compared to the 2024 baseline. This expansion ensures that even teams not reaching the final stages will benefit from higher earnings, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to elevating the sport’s financial landscape. The 2024 edition, won by New Zealand, had a total prize pot of $7.958 million (£5.926 million). The 2026 tournament’s prize money reflects a 134 percent increase in the top two teams’ earnings compared to the 2023 edition, which was held in Australia. This growth highlights the ICC’s efforts to align women’s cricket with the financial standards of men’s competitions, further solidifying its position as a major global sport. The tournament will span 33 matches across 24 days, with venues spread across England and Wales. The participating teams include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies.#icc #england #wales #women_t20_world_cup_2026 #sanjog_gupta

Record Prize Money Pool Announced for 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a record prize money pool for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to take place in England and Wales. With just 60 days remaining until the tournament begins, the prize fund has been increased to US$8,764,615, representing a 10% rise from the US$7,958,077 allocated to the 2024 edition. This expansion marks the first time the tournament will feature 12 teams, up from the previous 10. The prize distribution includes US$2,340,000 for the winners, US$1,170,000 for the runners-up, and US$675,000 each for the two losing semi-finalists. Additionally, every team that advances to the group stage will receive US$31,154, while all 12 participating nations are guaranteed a minimum prize of US$247,500. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta emphasized the organization’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket, stating that the expanded tournament and increased financial incentives reflect the sport’s growing global significance. “The expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underscores our dedication to fostering a stronger, more competitive global game,” Gupta said. He highlighted the rising influence of female athletes, noting that the event is poised to set new attendance and viewing records while also leaving a lasting socio-cultural impact worldwide. The tournament’s promotional efforts include the ICC Trophy Tour, which commenced on the same day as the announcement. The tour will begin in London, where the trophy will be displayed at the center of the square adjacent to Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for the final. A striking projection of the trophy’s silhouette will also be shown on the iconic pavilion.#icc #international_cricke #women_t20_world_cup_2026 #sanjog_gupta #england_wales

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Announces Record Prize Money of $8.76 Million The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize pool of $8,764,615 for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, marking a 10% increase from the 2024 edition. This amount surpasses the previous record of $7,958,077 set during the 2024 tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The decision reflects the growing popularity and financial investment in women’s cricket, with the tournament set to feature 12 teams for the first time. The winner of the 2026 tournament will receive $2,340,000, while the runner-up will be awarded $1,170,000. Teams eliminated in the semifinals will share $675,000 each. Additionally, every team will receive a guaranteed minimum prize of $247,500, regardless of their performance. This structure ensures all participating teams benefit from the tournament’s financial success. The tournament, which will take place from June 12 to July 24, 2026, will feature matches across seven venues in England, including Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. The final will be held in Birmingham, with the opening match between England and Sri Lanka scheduled for June 12. Participating teams include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies, making it the most expansive edition of the tournament to date. To build anticipation, the ICC has launched a global Trophy Tour, beginning in London on May 5, 2026. The tour will visit key European cities, including Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Edinburgh, with events designed to engage fans and promote the tournament. The tour will culminate in a grand finale in London, where the ICC Trophy will be unveiled at Lord’s Cricket Ground, a historic venue for cricket.#icc #sanjay_gupta #beth_barrett_wild #women_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #lord_s_cricket_ground

Cheating In LSG VS SRH Match The controversy surrounding the LSG vs SRH match sparked widespread debate on social media, with allegations of unfair play emerging after the game concluded. Lakhnऊ Super Giants (LSG) secured a narrow 5-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but the final over of the match became the focal point of scrutiny. According to reports, LSG’s batsman, Rishabh Pant, faced a critical moment when his team needed just one run to win. In the final over, Pant faced a delivery from SRH’s bowler, Avesh Khan. The ball was hit towards the boundary, but before it crossed the line, Avesh Khan, who was part of the batting team, intervened. The incident occurred as the ball was still in play, with Khan using his bat to stop the ball from crossing the boundary. This action raised questions about the fairness of the play, as Khan was not part of the fielding team at that moment. The controversy intensified after the match, with social media users claiming the incident violated ICC rules. According to ICC guidelines, if a ball is stopped by a player from the batting team before it crosses the boundary, it is considered an unfair act. The rules also state that if such an incident occurs, the umpire should declare the ball dead and impose a penalty. However, in this case, the umpires did not take any action, leading to accusations of a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome. Avesh Khan’s intervention was seen as a critical moment that could have altered the match’s result. If the ball had crossed the boundary, SRH would have lost the match, but the intervention prevented that. Critics argued that the incident was a clear case of cheating, with LSG’s team benefiting from an unfair advantage.#icc #sunrisers_hyderabad #rishabh_pant #avesh_khan #lakhn_super_giants

RCB Sale: Paul van Meekeren Advocates for 0.5% Share to Boost Netherlands Cricket After the Rajasthan Royals (RCB) were sold for Rs 16,660 crore to a multi-industry consortium, Netherlands fast bowler Paul van Meekeren expressed his opinion that even a fraction of the final sale price—specifically 0.5%—could significantly benefit Dutch cricket and help the nation close the gap with full-member teams in international cricket. Van Meekeren, who has represented the Netherlands in international matches, emphasized the potential impact of a modest financial contribution from the RCB sale. He stated that allocating 0.5% of the transaction value, which amounts to approximately Rs 83.3 crore, could provide substantial resources for developing cricket infrastructure, nurturing talent, and competing at a higher level globally. His comments reflect a growing call for greater financial support for associate nations in cricket, which often struggle to match the resources of full-member teams. The sale of RCB, one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has sparked discussions about the economic implications of such transactions. The consortium, comprising multiple industries, has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of cricket franchises and the distribution of revenue from such deals. While the exact details of the sale remain undisclosed, the figure of Rs 16,660 crore underscores the immense financial stakes involved in the IPL. Van Meekeren’s remarks highlight the broader challenges faced by cricketing nations outside the ICC’s full-member category. The Netherlands, along with other associate members, has been working to strengthen its domestic structure and gain recognition as a full member.#icc #netherlands #rajasthan_royals #indian_premier_league #paul_van_meekeren

ICC Names Sahibzada Farhan and Arundhati Reddy as February Players of the Month Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan and India seam bowler Arundhati Reddy have been honored as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Players of the Month for February. The recognition follows their standout performances in international cricket during the month, with Farhan excelling in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and Reddy leading India’s efforts in a T20I series against Australia. Farhan’s achievements in the T20 World Cup were pivotal to his selection. He broke the record for the highest individual score in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous benchmark. The 23-year-old also became the first player to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup, achieving this feat against Namibia and Sri Lanka. Over seven T20 Internationals, Farhan amassed 383 runs at an average of 76.60, with a strike rate of 160.25. His performances were highlighted by the ICC as a key factor in his award, despite the final stages of the tournament occurring in March. In his acceptance speech, Farhan expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of the World Cup stage. “It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said. He also acknowledged his teammates, stating, “I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me—this wouldn’t have been possible without them.” Reddy’s contributions to India’s 2-1 T20I series victory over Australia were equally notable. She was the standout bowler, taking a total of 12 wickets across three matches with figures of four for 22, two for 30, and two for 35.#icc #icc_men_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #sahibzada_farhan #arundhati_reddy #icc_women_s_t20_world_cup

Pakistan Batter Reprimanded for ICC Code Breach Pakistan opener Salman Ali Agha faced disciplinary action after being reprimanded for violating Level 1 of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct during the second One-Day International against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The incident occurred during Pakistan’s innings, specifically in the 39th over, when Agha, after being run out, threw his batting gloves and helmet to the ground in a manner deemed inappropriate under the code. The breach was linked to Article 2.2 of the ICC Code, which prohibits the abuse of cricket equipment, clothing, or fixtures during international matches. Agha’s actions were classified as a Level 1 offense, which carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of 50% of the player’s match fee. Additionally, a demerit point was added to his disciplinary record, marking his first offense within a 24-month period. Agha admitted to the violation and accepted the proposed sanction from Neeyamur Rashid Rahul, a member of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. The charge was upheld by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Tanvir Ahmed, along with third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul. Pakistan’s victory in the three-match series, secured with a 128-run win via the DLS method, sets up the final match against Bangladesh on Sunday. The outcome highlights the team’s dominance in the series, though the disciplinary action underscores the ICC’s strict enforcement of conduct standards in international cricket.#icc #salman_ali_aghaz #emirates_icc_international_panel_of_match_referees #adrian_holdstock #tanvir_ahmed

Javon Searles, two officials suspended under anti-corruption code West Indies player Javon Searles and two team officials have been charged under the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) anti-corruption codes in connection with the Bim10 League held in Barbados during the 2023-24 season. The charges relate to alleged corruption offences linked to the tournament, which falls under the jurisdiction of the CWI Anti-Corruption Code. Searles, Titans team owner Chitranjan Rathod, and team official Trevon Griffith have been provisionally suspended from all cricket activities with immediate effect. They have 14 days from March 11, 2026, to respond to the charges, according to the ICC. The suspensions follow a broader investigation that previously resulted in USA player Aaron Jones being charged with five breaches of the CWI and ICC anti-corruption codes on January 28. Rathod faces three charges under the CWI code, while Searles has been charged with four offences under the same code. Griffith faces four charges under the CWI code and an additional charge under the ICC code. All three individuals are charged with breaches of specific articles in the CWI Code. These include Article 2.1.1, which involves fixing or improperly influencing match results in the Bim10 tournament; Article 2.1.4, which pertains to soliciting players or support personnel to commit code violations; and Article 2.4.4, which relates to failing to cooperate with anti-corruption investigations. Searles and Griffith are also charged with Article 2.4.2, which involves failing to disclose approaches or invitations that could breach the CWI Code. Griffith additionally faces a charge under the ICC Code, specifically Article 2.4.#icc #cricket_west_indies #javon_searles #chitranjan_rathod #trevon_griffith

ICC Suspends Former KKR Allrounder From All Cricket For Breaching Anti-Corruption Codes The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provisionally suspended fast-bowling all-rounder Javon Searles, Titans team owner Chitranjan Rathod, and team official Griffith for alleged breaches of anti-corruption regulations. The suspensions, effective immediately, apply to all forms of cricket, and the individuals have until 11 March 2026 to respond to the charges. The ICC stated that the allegations relate to the 2023–24 Bim10 Tournament, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) anti-corruption code. Griffith also faces an additional charge under the ICC’s anti-corruption framework. The trio is accused of engaging in activities that include fixing or attempting to improperly influence the outcome of matches, soliciting players or support staff to commit anti-corruption offenses, and failing to cooperate with investigations. Searles, 39, played four matches for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, taking two wickets. He also represented Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League from 2014 to 2019. Searles has a history of playing for the West Indies at the Under-19 level. Rathod faces three charges under the CWI code, while Searles is charged with four offenses under the CWI code. Griffith is accused of four violations under the CWI code and one under the ICC code. The ICC’s statement highlighted that Searles and Griffith also failed to report approaches or invitations related to corrupt conduct to Cricket West Indies. Griffith’s additional charge under the ICC code involves allegedly obstructing the Anti-Corruption Unit’s investigation by concealing or tampering with potentially relevant information.#icc #cricket_west_indies #javon_searles #chitranjan_rathod #griffith

ICC charges West Indies player, two officials; all suspended from cricket with immediate effect The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged a West Indies player and two team officials for alleged match-fixing activities, leading to their immediate suspension from all cricket-related activities. The three individuals—Rathod, the owner of the Titans franchise, Searles, and Griffith—face multiple charges under the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Code and the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The allegations include attempts to influence the outcome of matches, encouraging players or support staff to engage in corrupt practices, and failing to cooperate with investigators. Griffith, in particular, faces additional charges under the ICC Code for allegedly obstructing an anti-corruption investigation by concealing or tampering with information. Searles and Griffith are also accused of not reporting potential corrupt approaches or invitations. All three have been provisionally suspended from cricket activities with immediate effect. They have 14 days, starting March 11, 2026, to respond to the charges. The case is part of a broader investigation into corruption within the Bim10 tournament. Earlier in January, United States player Aaron Jones was charged with five breaches of anti-corruption codes by both the ICC and CWI. The ICC has stated it will not comment further until the disciplinary process concludes. The charges highlight the ICC’s ongoing efforts to address corruption in cricket, particularly in regional tournaments. The suspensions underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the organization’s commitment to enforcing its anti-corruption policies. The investigation into Griffith, Searles, and Rathod is expected to provide further insights into the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for the sport.#cricket #icc #west_indies #cricket_west_indies #bim10

Arshdeep Singh के बचाव में उतरे कोच गंभीर, डैरिल मिचेल को गेंद मारने पर ICC ने सुनाई थी कड़ी सजा भारतीय टीम के तेज गेंदबाज अर्शदीप सिंह पर आईसीसी की आचार संहिता के उल्लंघन के आरोप के बाद उनके समर्थन में टीम के मुख्य कोच गौतम गंभीर ने बयान जारी किया। टी20 विश्व कप 2026 के फाइनल मुकाबले में न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ भारत की जीत के बाद अर्शदीप के एक थ्रो के दौरान डैरिल मिचेल के शरीर पर गेंद लगने के घटना के बारे में चर्चा हो रही है। आईसीसी ने इस मामले की जांच करते हुए अर्शदीप को आचार संहिता के अनुच्छेद 2.9 के तहत दोषी घोषित किया और उनकी मैच फीस का 15 प्रतिशत जुर्माना लगाया। फाइनल मुकाबले में अर्शदीप ने डैरिल मिचेल के शरीर पर गेंद फेंकने के बाद मिचेल थोड़ा नाराज दिखाई दिए और दोनों खिलाड़ियों के बीच तीखी बातचीत हुई। इस घटना को नियंत्रित करने के लिए अंपायर और कप्तान सूर्यकुमार गांगुली ने मामले को ठंडा किया। अर्शदीप ने तुरंत मिचेल के पास जाकर माफी मांग दी। मैच के बाद अर्शदीप ने इस घटना पर सफाई देते हुए कहा कि उनका किसी को चोट पहुंचाने का कोई इरादा नहीं था। उन्होंने बताया कि थ्रो करते समय गेंद थोड़ी रिवर्स स्विंग हो गई और सीधे मिचेल को लग गई। अर्शदीप ने तुरंत माफी मांग दी। गौतम गंभीर ने अर्शदीप का बचाव करते हुए कहा कि देश के लिए खेलते समय आक्रामकता दिखाना बिल्कुल स्वाभाविक है। उन्होंने कहा कि कोई भी गेंदबाज नहीं चाहता कि उसे लगातार छक्के पड़ें, इसलिए उन्हें लगता है कि इसमें कोई खराबी नहीं है। गंभीर ने यह भी कहा कि अर्शदीप ने तुरंत माफी मांग दी है, जिससे इस मामले में कोई गलती नहीं है।#icc #gautam_gambhir #arshdeep_singh #daryl_mitchell #t20_world_cup_2026_final

ICC Announces T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament: Suryakumar Yadav Misses Out The International Cricket Council has unveiled its Team of the Tournament for the recently concluded T20 World Cup, with India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav excluded from the list. The selected XI features four Indian players, marking a significant achievement for the nation despite the absence of its skipper. The decision has sparked discussions among cricket fans and analysts, who have noted the inclusion of key performers from various teams across the competition. The team, comprising players who demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the tournament, highlights the competitive nature of the event. While Suryakumar Yadav’s omission has drawn attention, his contributions to the Indian team during the tournament were widely acknowledged. The four Indian players named in the XI include notable names such as Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Deepak Chahar, each of whom played pivotal roles in their respective teams’ campaigns. The ICC’s selection process, which considers performances across all matches, underscores the global reach and intensity of the T20 World Cup. The inclusion of these players reflects their impact on the tournament’s outcome, even as the absence of some high-profile names raises questions about the criteria used for selection. Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with many praising the recognition of individual brilliance while also highlighting the importance of team success in such accolades. The tournament, which saw fierce competition from teams across the globe, has once again demonstrated the dynamic nature of T20 cricket.#icc #t20_world_cup #jasprit_bumrah #ravindra_jadeja #virat_kohli

The article you provided does not specify the exact prize money that Sanju Samson (or any individual player) received for winning the T20 World Cup. However, it mentions the total prize money for the tournament and how it is distributed among players. For example: The winner's share (for the team) is typically a significant portion of the total prize pool, which varies by tournament. For instance, in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the prize money was $10 million, with the winning team receiving $2.5 million (as per reports). Players might receive a share of this amount based on their performance, but individual figures are not publicly disclosed in detail. If you're referring to a specific tournament (e.g., 2024 T20 World Cup), the exact distribution to players is usually managed by the organizing body (e.g., ICC) and may not be publicly shared. For precise details, checking official ICC announcements or player contracts would be necessary.#prize_money #icc #t20_world_cup #sanju_samson #tournament_distribution

Team of the Tournament Announced for T20 World Cup 2026 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled its Team of the Tournament for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, with four Indian players making the cut. The team was selected by a panel featuring West Indies legend Ian Bishop, former England captain Eion Morgan, coach-turned-commentator Natalie Germanos, ICC representative Gaurav Saxena, and Sri Lankan journalist Rex Clementine. The selection follows India’s historic victory over New Zealand in the final, marking their first back-to-back titles in the tournament’s history. India’s triumph in Ahmedabad was characterized by dominant performances across the competition, but several standout players emerged as key contributors. Among them, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan led the batting charts with 383 runs in seven matches, the highest individual score in a single T20 World Cup edition. Despite Pakistan’s early exit at the Super Eight stage, Farhan’s consistency shone through, including a century against Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight clash. His achievement also made him the first batter to score two centuries in a single tournament. India’s Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament, showcasing his crucial role in the team’s success. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 321 runs in five matches, averaging 80.25 with a strike rate of 199.37. His performances, including an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super Eight and 89 against England in the semi-final, were instrumental in India’s run to the final. Samson also became the third batter to score half-centuries in both the semi-final and final, and only the second to achieve three consecutive scores of 80 or more in the tournament. Ishan Kishan, another Indian inclusion, contributed 317 runs in nine matches, averaging 35.#icc #ian_bishop #eion_morgan #natalie_germanos #gaurav_saxena

Sri Lanka appoint new head coach for men's team | ICC Sri Lanka has appointed Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of their men’s cricket team. The former South African international will take charge for a two-year term beginning April 15, 2026. Kirsten, a former South African player who represented his country between 1993 and 2004, has built a reputation as a successful coach across multiple nations. His most notable achievement came during his tenure with the Indian team, where he led them to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He later guided South Africa from 2011 to 2013, a period during which the Proteas climbed to the top of the world rankings in all formats by 2013. In his most recent role, Kirsten served as a consultant for Namibia during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His playing career saw him accumulate over 14,000 international runs, including 21 Test centuries and 13 One Day International centuries. Kirsten’s primary focus will now be on preparing Sri Lanka for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The tournament will mark a significant opportunity for the team to showcase its progress under his leadership.#icc #namibia #sri_lanka #gary_kirsten #icc_cricket_world_cup

T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Fan Chants For Jasprit Bumrah During India’s Semi-Final Win During India’s tense T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium, former cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong disapproval of fan chants directed at Jasprit Bumrah while he was bowling. The Wankhede Stadium DJ repeatedly urged spectators to chant “Boom Boom Bumrah” during an over, a practice Gavaskar called inappropriate for a World Cup match. “Asking the crowd to chant ‘Boom Boom Bumrah’ while he is bowling is not a good idea,” Gavaskar said from the commentary box. “They can do it between overs, but not during the over. This is a World Cup.” Gavaskar’s criticism followed a broader pattern of dissent against entertainment additions to the tournament. Earlier in the competition, he and Ravi Shastri had criticized the ICC for staging a laser show during the drinks break of India’s Super 8 match against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. Despite his reservations about the chants, Gavaskar praised Bumrah’s pivotal role in India’s seven-run victory. The pacer’s composed death bowling, which included a crucial wicket of Harry Brook on his first ball of the final over, helped secure the win. India’s triumph came after a nervy chase of England’s 253/7 target, with Jacob Bethell’s 105-run partnership with Sam Curran nearly salvaging a draw. Bumrah’s final over, in which he conceded just six runs, proved decisive. Gavaskar hailed Bumrah as a “once-in-a-century” bowler, emphasizing his versatility across all formats. “Jasprit Bumrah is not just a once-in-a-generation bowler. He is a once-in-a-century kind of a bowler. Because he plays all formats—Test matches, 50-over games, T20s,” Gavaskar said. “You give him the ball, he will deliver.#icc #t20_world_cup_2026 #wankhede_stadium #sunil_gavaskar #jasprit_bumrah

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Sets New Digital Engagement Records The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is on track to become the most digitally engaged and globally accessible edition of the tournament in history, with ICC.tv and the International Cricket Council’s social media platforms achieving unprecedented levels of interaction across digital platforms. The ICC’s streaming service, which caters to fans in emerging markets, broke its own record for concurrent viewership during the Super 8 match between India and the West Indies. This surpassed the previous high set during the 2024 final, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s digital growth. ICC.tv has also already surpassed the total user count and minutes watched for the entire 2024 event. Compared to the same stage of the previous tournament, unique users have risen by 28 percent, while total playtime has increased by 56 percent. The data highlights a trend of increasing engagement, with the average watch time per unique user climbing to 58 minutes—up from 47 minutes at the end of the 2024 Super 8 stage. Multi-language feeds continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience, accounting for nearly half of the total playtime. Three of the top five streams during the tournament were non-English broadcasts, including Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia. This emphasis on language accessibility underscores the ICC’s commitment to connecting with diverse cricket communities worldwide. Emerging markets have shown remarkable growth, with non-traditional territories experiencing a 69 percent surge in users. Germany recorded a 150 percent increase in unique users compared to the 2024 event, while Italy saw a 136 percent rise. Japan and South Korea also demonstrated significant growth, with both views and unique users increasing by over 100 percent.#icc #india #west_indies #super_8 #icc_tv

T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal Set for Kolkata on March 4 The first semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place on March 4 at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, featuring South Africa and New Zealand. This match will determine which team advances to the final, adding significant stakes to the encounter. The tournament has seen both teams demonstrate strong performances, with South Africa maintaining an unbeaten record in the group stage and Super 8 phase. Their victory over India in the group stage has bolstered their confidence. New Zealand, on the other hand, has had a mixed run, securing three wins in the group but suffering a loss in the Super 8. Despite this, they have qualified for the semifinals. The ICC has implemented special arrangements to ensure the match proceeds smoothly. An additional 90 minutes of time has been allocated to accommodate potential weather disruptions, with the reserve day set for March 5. If the match is not completed on March 4, it will resume on the reserve day. In the event of a rainout on both days, the team from the Super 8 stage with the higher points will automatically advance to the final. South Africa secured 6 points in the Super 8, securing the top spot in their group, while New Zealand earned 3 points to qualify for the semifinals. If the match is abandoned, South Africa will advance to the final without playing. The winner of this semifinal will face off against the other semifinalists in the final on March 8 at Ahmedabad. Fans are eagerly anticipating the match, hoping for ideal weather to deliver a thrilling contest. Meanwhile, the second semifinal will see England take on India at Wankhede Stadium. The match carries immense importance for both teams, as a victory would secure their place in the final.#icc #new_zealand #south_africa #icc_t20_world_cup_2026 #eden_gardens