Despite the ICC’s claims, the reality is that cricket is losing popularity across the globe, a process accelerating over time. New national teams are inconsistent, boards are scrounging to stay financially afloat, and grassroots initiatives have produced underwhelming results. The standard of play has grown more disparate and viewers are often left to watch the same monotonous tours featuring an ever-dwindling round-robin of nations. Even the most historic tournaments have become less inclusive, shrinking the world’s biggest stage to just ten teams.

The irony is, cricket could be in a position right now to encapsulate the globe. The game is more profitable, the T20 format — a three-hour condensed version of the standard contest— has made the sport more digestible to viewers, and revamped domestic tournaments have increased the number of professional contracts. Sponsors are pouring money into leagues like the IPL, which is now valued at $6.9 billion dollars and new broadcasting deals for the ICC have struck unprecedented numbers.