London, UK – World Cricket Connects 2025 concluded over the weekend at Lord’s Cricket Ground, bringing together over 150 influential voices from across global cricket to discuss opportunities, challenges, and innovations that can drive the next phase of the game’s evolution.
The two-day event featured sessions on financial sustainability, digital engagement, franchise expansion, women’s cricket, sustainability, and more. It was followed by a meeting of the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board on Monday morning, where key takeaways were reviewed and future action points considered.
Cricket’s growth potential and global alignment in focus
Lord King, MCC President, opened the conference by encouraging bold ideas and innovation. Boston Consulting Group presented insights on the game’s financial structure, followed by findings from the World Cricketers’ Association on the global cricket ecosystem.
Satyan Gajwani (London Spirit investor, Times of India/CricBuzz, Willow TV, MLC) discussed the role of AI and digital media in attracting younger fans. JioStar’s Mallika Petkar showcased successful fan engagement strategies, alongside broadcasters Adam Collins and Andrew Leonard, under the theme “Is Cricket Cool?”
Pat Cummins, Natalie Davey spotlight sustainability in cricket
On Sunday, Australia captain Pat Cummins and Natalie Davey (Cricket for Climate Chair) led an impactful discussion on sustainability, emphasizing cricket’s responsibility to lead environmental standards in global sport.
Women’s cricket as a key growth driver
Mel Jones hosted a compelling session with Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Sana Mir, and Alistair Dobson, exploring strategies to maximize the women’s game globally. Jones also called for a review of equipment disparities in the women’s format, while Rob Lynch (MCC) presented on the bat industry alongside experts from Kookaburra and JS Wright & Sons.
Franchise cricket and future innovation
Ed Smith, MCC President Designate, delivered a keynote on franchise cricket that sparked broad debate about the sport’s evolving structures and creative freedoms. The diverse assembly at Lord’s reflected cricket’s expanding reach and influence.
Historic league CEO meeting highlights industry collaboration
A landmark lunch on Friday saw CEOs from six major leagues—SA20, CPL, ILT20, MLC, BBL and The Hundred—meet collectively for the first time, setting a precedent for league-level cooperation.
Throughout the event, real-time feedback and data tools were used to inform future decisions by the Advisory Board. Discussions and inputs will be reviewed further before conclusions are presented to the ICC and national cricket boards.
Leadership voices reflect on the event’s impact
Mark Nicholas, MCC Chair: “We are at an inflection point with new business models, the women’s game, and technology all presenting major opportunities. MCC is proud to host a neutral space for these vital conversations.”
Sourav Ganguly, ICC Cricket Committee Chair: “A lot of quality stakeholders from around the world were in the room. The Advisory Board will now synthesize the ideas and guide them toward ICC.”
Kumar Sangakkara, Chair of the Advisory Board: “It was a wonderful event bringing together diverse thought from across cricket and sport. New ideas and innovation will help guide the game forward.”
Mel Jones: “The women’s game is among the biggest global growth opportunities in sport. The chance to shape its path—before it inherits current structural issues—is unique.”
World Cricket Connects aims not to dictate, but to facilitate progress for global cricket—acting as a neutral convening platform for stakeholders to collaborate and inform the future of the sport.
