ICC to establish excellence centre in China to grow cricket sport

The International Cricket Council has announced plans to establish a centre of excellence in China as part of a broader strategy to develop cricket in the world's most populous nation. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta indicated the world body would work closely with China's national cricket association to implement the initiative, marking a significant step in expanding the sport's footprint beyond traditional cricket nations.

The move comes as China experiences a renewed surge of interest in cricket following the sport's inclusion in the Olympic Games. This recognition is expected to provide a substantial boost to grassroots participation and infrastructure development across the country.

Beyond the excellence centre, the ICC has committed to supporting China in hosting tier-2 international cricket events. Such competitions would provide valuable exposure for emerging teams and players while helping to establish China as a cricket destination in Asia.

The initiative reflects a broader ICC strategy to develop cricket in non-traditional markets and build sustainable competitive structures. Officials believe China's vast talent pool and growing interest present an opportunity to strengthen the sport's global reach and create a more diverse international cricket landscape.

The exact timeline and specifications for the centre of excellence and planned tournaments are expected to be finalised through ongoing consultations between the ICC and Chinese cricket authorities.