Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and Burundi are set to apply for Associate Membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) later this year, marking a potential expansion of cricket’s footprint across Africa. All three countries aim to submit their applications to the ICC’s membership committee ahead of the December 2025 deadline. Although the trio initially hoped to be considered during this year’s ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Singapore, administrative issues stalled their progress.
At the AGM, the ICC approved the applications of Zambia and Timor-Leste, increasing its total number of member nations to 110. Zambia, which had been expelled in 2021 over governance issues, was successfully readmitted after implementing reforms.
Meanwhile, USA Cricket continues to face intense pressure from the ICC due to ongoing concerns around governance, finance, and compliance. Though the organization has reportedly addressed five of eight critical issues, it remains “on notice” and must undertake urgent reforms, including holding free and fair elections within three months.
The stakes are high for USA Cricket, especially with the sport’s return to the Olympic Games scheduled for Los Angeles 2028, the first time cricket will feature since 1900. To participate, USA Cricket must gain full National Governing Body (NGB) recognition from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, which hinges on resolving ICC compliance concerns.
As the ICC continues efforts to globalize the sport, the pending applications from Africa and the status of cricket in the U.S. will be closely watched in the months ahead.
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