Cricket's global footprint continues to expand, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) reportedly considering applications from three new African nations for associate membership.
Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and Burundi are the latest countries vying to join the ranks of cricketing nations, as reported by the BBC.
These applications underscore the ICC's ongoing drive to develop the sport in non-traditional territories, particularly across Africa.
While cricket boasts a strong heritage in countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe, and has a growing presence in Namibia and Uganda, the expansion into new regions like these landlocked and island nations signals a genuine push for wider adoption.
Associate membership with the ICC is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring cricketing nations.
It provides access to development funding, coaching programmes, and pathways to international competition.
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To qualify, countries must demonstrate a firmly established and organised cricket structure, including a minimum number of senior and junior teams in structured competitions, access to suitable grounds, and a national development plan that incorporates women's cricket.
They also need to show financial stability and a commitment to education courses for coaches and officials.
Meanwhile, the USA continues to remain on notice by the ICC, a status that underscores the ongoing governance and development challenges within some cricketing nations.
The addition of Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and Burundi would swell the ICC's associate member count, which currently stands at around 98.
This push for new members comes as the sport looks to broaden its appeal, particularly with the inclusion of cricket in multi-sport events like the Olympic Games.
The decision on their applications is expected to be a key agenda item at upcoming ICC meetings, with the cricketing world keenly watching to see if these three African hopefuls will take their place on the international stage.