International Cricket Council (ICC) had sent an communication in Feb 2020 to all Board members (12 Full members + 93 Associate members) regarding ‘expression of interest’ to bid to host ICC events during the 2023-2031 cycle. The letter written by ICC CEO Manu Sawhney included the condition of receiving a guarantee that there would be tax exemptions granted by the hosting nations.

ICC has received 93 offers for 28 events to be staged in the proposed 2023-31 rights cycle, from 15 member boards, which includes Associate members Malaysia and USA as well. ICC plans to schedule one world event every year from 2023 to 2031, that includes introduction of two additional world events, a 10-nation T20 Champions Cup in 2024 and 2028.

Apart from the eight main men’s events, ICC is also seeking bidders for the same number of women’s events, the World Test Championship finals every alternate year as well as U-19 World Cups to be staged every two years. While Malaysia have responded individually to bid for hosting rights, USA are part of a consortium involving the West Indies Cricket Board. Malaysia have extensive experience of hosting regional qualifying events for both Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and ICC, including U19 Asia Cup events as well.