ICC Plans Major China Cricket Expansion With New Development Push
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to strengthen its presence in China as cricket gets ready to return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said the governing body is ready to support the Chinese Cricket Association (CCA) in developing the sport, including plans for a possible Tier 2 ICC event and the creation of a high-performance Centre of Excellence.
The proposed facility would take inspiration from the ICC Academy in the UAE and focus on player development, coaching and improved training infrastructure. The CCA has already discussed the idea with the ICC as part of its broader plans to build cricket in the country.
Olympic Return Gives Cricket New Momentum
Gupta believes cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics could change how the sport is viewed within China’s sporting system. Greater Olympic relevance could encourage government involvement, investment in facilities and stronger pathways for young players.
Cricket currently has a presence in nine of China’s 22 provinces. The ICC hopes that participation will expand further if the sport gains entry into the country’s National Games.
The Asian Games have also helped increase cricket’s visibility in China, particularly after the 2022 Hangzhou edition. Gupta said integrating cricket more deeply into domestic multi-sport competitions could encourage provinces to invest in coaches, infrastructure and grassroots programmes.
The ICC and CCA are therefore targeting inclusion in the National Games as an immediate priority, with the expectation that national exposure could help drive participation across more provinces.
China Targets International Cricket Event
Infrastructure development is another important part of the expansion strategy. A cricket venue with a capacity of about 1,500 spectators has recently opened in China, while the CCA is seeking further improvements.
The association hopes to eventually host an ICC Tier 2 event, with the global governing body prepared to provide support. Gupta said staging such a competition could demonstrate both China’s growing interest in cricket and the ICC’s commitment to supporting the country’s ambitions.
Gupta said his own visit to China during his first six months as ICC chief gave him a closer look at cricket’s existing footprint. He found established activity in several provinces and observed growing interest among local and provincial authorities.
School cricket programmes are also expected to expand, with initiatives planned in provinces such as Shandong and Tianjin.
Women’s Cricket Leads Participation Strategy
Women’s cricket has been given particular importance in China’s development plans. The CCA has adopted a policy targeting 50 per cent female inclusion across its programmes.
Gupta said China’s enormous population represents a major opportunity for cricket, especially women’s cricket, both as a participation market and as a potential source of new fans.
The ICC has also increased its digital engagement in the country. The 2026 Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups were streamed in Mandarin on Chinese platforms, while the men’s tournament generated 4.4 million video views during its final week.
Financial support has also been provided to the CCA, with ICC funding exceeding USD 1.5 million over the past five years. The Chinese association has simultaneously developed its own commercial base and recorded the highest non-ICC income among associate members in 2024.
With cricket returning to the Olympics after a 128-year gap, the ICC sees China as an important long-term market where infrastructure, women’s participation, grassroots development and international exposure can collectively expand the sport.
