On a landmark day for cricket’s global expansion, the International Cricket Council (ICC) welcomed East Timor and Zambia as its newest associate members during an Executive Committee meeting in Singapore on Sunday, July 20.

With their inclusion, the ICC family now boasts 110 nations, a testament to the sport’s growing reach into uncharted territories. For these two nations, the journey from obscurity to the international stage is just beginning, bringing fresh dreams to a game that thrives on passion and possibility.

A new chapter for cricket

The ICC’s press release, issued post-meeting, celebrated the milestone: “The East Timor Cricket Association and the Zambia Cricket Union have been granted Associate Member status, expanding the ICC family to 110 members.” This status unlocks T20 international recognition for both nations, meaning every T20 match they play will carry official international weight—a significant step for fledgling cricket ecosystems.

East Timor, a young nation in Southeast Asia, and Zambia, a landlocked African country, may seem unlikely cricket hubs. Yet, their inclusion reflects the ICC’s mission to globalize the sport beyond traditional strongholds like South Asia and the Commonwealth. East Timor’s nascent cricket scene, driven by grassroots enthusiasm, and Zambia’s growing interest, fuelled by school programmes and expat communities, signal untapped potential.

What associate status means

For East Timor and Zambia, Associate Membership opens doors to ICC funding, development programs, and access to global tournaments like the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Their players can now dream of competing on international pitches, while administrators gain resources to nurture talent and infrastructure. The T20 format, with its fast-paced appeal, is a perfect entry point for these nations to engage young fans and build competitive teams.

The move comes amid a broader push for inclusivity in cricket. Associate Members, ranging from powerhouses like the Netherlands to minnows like Mongolia, have long enriched the sport with underdog stories. Zambia’s inclusion, for instance, strengthens Africa’s cricket footprint, joining nations like Uganda and Namibia. East Timor, meanwhile, adds a new dimension to Asia’s diverse cricketing landscape.

Leadership transitions

The Singapore meeting also saw key governance updates. The ICC Chief Executive Committee (CEC) welcomed new Associate Member Representatives: Gurumurthy Palani (France Cricket), Anurag Bhatnagar (Cricket Hong Kong, China), and Gurdeep Clare (Cricket Canada). Their appointments promise fresh perspectives as the ICC navigates challenges like balancing commercial giants with emerging nations.

Outgoing CEC members Sumod Damodar (Botswana), Rashpal Bajwa (Cricket Canada), and Umair Butt (Cricket Denmark), along with former ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, were warmly thanked for their contributions. “Their work laid the groundwork for days like today, where cricket welcomes new voices,” the ICC noted.

A global game grows

The addition of East Timor and Zambia comes at a time when cricket is riding a wave of momentum. From Bangladesh’s thrilling T20I rout of Pakistan in Dhaka to the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the game is breaking boundaries. Yet, challenges remain—East Timor and Zambia will need infrastructure, coaching, and fan engagement to thrive.

As the cricket world celebrates its 110th and 111th members, the stories of East Timor and Zambia remind us of the sport’s universal appeal. From dusty fields to global arenas, their journey is just beginning and the cricketing world is watching with bated breath.