- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Countries That Joined ICC After 2020: Today, cricket is not just a sport that is liked and played by a few countries, but it is rapidly expanding throughout the world. Many countries have made major efforts in recent years to accept this game and incorporate it into their sports cultures. To guarantee that cricket is played everywhere in the world, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been actively encouraging new members to sign up.
Asian, African and European nations are now very interested in promoting cricket at the local level. In addition to making the sport more widely known, this action gives athletes from these areas the chance to display their skills on a global stage. Cricket is expected to grow even more exciting and varied with the addition of new member countries, introducing unique playing styles and new players to the international scene. These new memberships reflect the growing love and recognition of cricket as a unifying sport worldwide.
Let’s check out the eight countries that have recently joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) after 2020.
1. Timor-Leste – July 2025
In July 2025, a southeast asian nation, Timor-Leste, joined the ICC, which was a significant step toward the promotion of cricket in Southeast Asia. Through local clubs and schools, the nation has been attempting to introduce the sport at the grassroots level. Timor-Leste can now take part in international competitions and get assistance to build infrastructure and players, thanks to its membership in the ICC.
2. Zambia – July 2025
By joining the ICC in July 2025, Zambia expanded cricket's reach throughout southern Africa. In recent years, cricket has gained popularity throughout the country, as evidenced by the emergence of local leagues and youth initiatives. Zambia will be able to enhance its coaching, cricket facilities, and youth athlete opportunities by joining the ICC.
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3. Cambodia – July 2022
Cricket's popularity in Southeast Asia increased when Cambodia joined the ICC in July 2022. Despite being a relatively new sport in the nation, Cambodia hopes to build competitive teams and promote cricket at the school and community levels under the direction of the ICC.
4. Côte d'Ivoire – July 2022
A significant milestone for cricket in West Africa was reached in July 2022 when Côte d'Ivoire joined the ICC. The nation is concentrating on growing its women's and junior cricket teams and raising awareness of the game. Also, Côte d'Ivoire will benefit from increased visibility in international competitions as a member of the ICC.
5. Uzbekistan – July 2022
Cricket's influence in Central Asia was increased in 2022 when Uzbekistan joined the ICC. Cricket has been progressively introduced throughout the country through local clubs and schools, and the ICC membership will enable them to take part in competitions and obtain resources for development.
6. Mongolia – 18 July 2021
On July 18, 2021, Mongolia joined the ICC, introducing cricket as a new sport to the nation's expanding sports culture. With the help of this membership, Mongolia intends to construct cricket grounds, develop coaching staff, and assemble teams capable of participating in regional Asian competitions.
7. Tajikistan – July 2021
Tajikistan also joined the ICC the same day (18 July 2021) when Mongolia joined, which paved the way for the growth of cricket in Central Asia. To encourage young players to participate, the nation has begun introducing cricket in schools and hosting friendly matches.
8. Switzerland – July 2021
Along with Tajikistan and Mongolia, Switzerland became a member of the ICC, bringing another European nation into the cricket family. Although the sport has long been played recreationally in the nation, Swiss players will now have official recognition and opportunities to compete internationally thanks to their ICC membership.
