Key decision taken regarding ODI future by ICC [Source: AFP]The ICC held its annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, and several key decisions were taken regarding the future of the game. Jay Shah’s ICC had plenty of issues to deal with before the meeting, and one of them was the future of ODI cricket and the plan to expand teams in the WTC.There have been talks that the number of overs in ODIs should be reduced to bring in more viewership and more people, and a major decision was taken in the ICC annual conference regarding the same.No plans to reduce overs in ODIsIn the latest development, Cricbuzz has reported that the Jay Shah-led ICC has no plans to reduce the number of overs in ODIs. Earlier, there were reports that the ODI format could be reduced to 40 overs per side, but the rumours were quashed.The ODIs have often been looked upon as a sandwich between the Tests and T20Is, and talks were going around to reduce the overs to generate some interest. At least before the next annual meeting, the plan is to keep the ODIs a 50-over contest, but a U-turn can be taken by the governing body.WTC teams limited to 9, no plans to expandMoreover, there is no major indication that more teams will be added in the WTC cycle. ICC was contemplating expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) teams to 12 by including Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, but no such decision has been taken by the ICC.Last year, the ICC appointed the former New Zealand batter, Roger Twose, and he was tasked with finding ways to enhance the game’s competitive structures, especially with the game struggling to deal with scheduling issues.A two-division WTC model was also proposed, but the idea was straightaway rejected by numerous full members.USA, Canada cricket to stay suspendedSeveral other key pointers were also touched on in the ICC annual meeting, and one of them was about the suspension of USA and Canada Cricket.Also Read: ICC Plan Stricter Regulations Against Franchise CricketThe USA Cricket was suspended after the board's repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under its Constitution.On the other hand, the Canada Cricket subject to an ongoing corruption investigation by the ICC's anti-corruption unit. Cricket Canada set up an independent committee to deal with the situation, but the ICC has so far rejected their plea to reinstate them and end their suspension.The two boards had objected to ICC's decision, but the governing body continues to keep them suspended.Other key decisions taken by ICCNot only the USA and Canada, but France has also joined the list, as ICC has put them on notice. Moreover, there is a new associate member that the ICC has introduced.The Mauritius Cricket Federation has been granted Associate Membership, and they have become the 111th member of the ICC, with 12 full members and 99 associates.Also Read: Brendon McCullum Allows England Players To ‘Drink’ After India Win
