The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled a key meeting scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, later this month due to the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The development comes as India and New Zealand prepare to face each other in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Several ICC officials, including chairman Jay Shah, are expected to attend the high-profile final as the tournament reaches its conclusion.
ICC Board Meeting Cancelled in Qatar
The ICC had earlier announced that its board of directors would meet in Doha from March 25 to March 27. However, the governing body decided to cancel the gathering because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The region has been affected by rising tensions involving Iran and the United States, following a joint military operation by the United States and Israel. Iran subsequently targeted several Gulf countries, including Qatar.
As a result, the ICC concluded that it would not be feasible to hold the meeting in the region under the current circumstances. The Jay Shah-led administration is now exploring alternative dates and venues for the meeting.
More Read
The decision was communicated to ICC board members on Saturday, with officials explaining that the prevailing geopolitical situation made it impractical to proceed with the planned event.
ICC Officials Set to Attend the Final
While the meeting has been cancelled, a number of ICC board members are expected to gather in Ahmedabad to watch the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand.
Jay Shah is likely to be present at the Narendra Modi Stadium, along with officials from several cricket boards. Reports indicate that representatives from New Zealand Cricket, Cricket South Africa and Zimbabwe Cricket are expected to attend the match.
More Read
Roger Twose currently serves as the chief of New Zealand Cricket, while Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Dr Mohammed Moosajee hold similar leadership roles at Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket South Africa respectively.
Mohsin Naqvi and BCB Chairman Unlikely to Attend
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is unlikely to attend the final in Ahmedabad. Aminul Islam Bulbul, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, is also expected to be absent as he is currently in Melbourne.
Naqvi has been in the spotlight in India since the Asia Cup, particularly after an incident involving the trophy presentation where India declined to receive the trophy from him due to his Pakistani origin.
More recently, reports suggested that the PCB chairman penalised Pakistan’s players following their failure to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
Given the strained relationship between Naqvi and Indian cricket authorities and fans, his absence from the final is expected to attract attention during the tournament’s closing event.
