Shayan Jahangir Urges ICC for Better Funding to Associate Cricket Teams
USA batter Shayan Jahangir made passionate plea for increased funding and exposure to Associate nations ahead of their must-win clash against Netherlands in Chennai. The Pakistan-born cricketer highlighted how talented players from Associate teams remain unrecognized despite remarkable achievements, calling for ICC intervention during the T20 World Cup 2026 press conference.
Breaking Statement: Jahangir demands ICC fund Associate cricket properly. Cites Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee’s 9-ball fifty going unnoticed. Says USA practiced with Sri Lanka A while top teams played each other.
Shayan Jahangir’s Direct Request to ICC
Speaking candidly at Wednesday’s press conference, Jahangir didn’t hold back his frustration about the disparity between Full Members and Associate nations in terms of preparation opportunities and financial backing.
Key Quotes from Jahangir:
| Issue | Jahangir’s Statement |
|---|---|
| Preparation Gap | “Pakistan played Australia, NZ played India, we were playing Sri Lanka A” |
| Funding Problem | “We don’t have money for those comps, don’t have big grounds” |
| ICC Request | “It’s a request from us, personally from me, to really look into it” |
| Hidden Talent | “If you really nurture us, there’s so much talent in Associate cricket” |
His frustration stems from USA’s preparation involving matches against Sri Lanka A teams while major nations competed against each other in high-profile bilateral series. This preparation gap significantly impacts Associate teams’ competitiveness.
Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee Example
Jahangir powerfully illustrated his point by highlighting Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee, who holds the record for fastest fifty in T20Is with a remarkable 9-ball half-century, yet remains largely unknown globally.
Airee’s Overlooked Achievement:
- Record: Fastest T20I fifty (9 balls)
- Recognition: Minimal global attention
- Full Member Matches: Only 10 T20Is against top teams
- League Cricket: Still struggling for opportunities worldwide
“There are so many cricketers who are so good, but not given the exposure,” Jahangir emphasized. “If it was at the highest level, he would get recognition all over the world but he’s still struggling to play league cricket all over the world.”
This example perfectly encapsulates the exposure gap between Full Members and Associate nations, where extraordinary achievements go unnoticed due to lack of platform and visibility. Follow team updates to see more Associate nation talents.
USA’s World Cup Journey and Near-Miss vs India
USA entered the World Cup after chaotic preparation period marked by board dysfunction and no T20Is since April 2025. Despite challenges, they nearly stunned tournament favorites India in Mumbai.
USA vs India Performance:
- Situation: India reduced to 77/6
- Turning Point: Suryakumar Yadav’s match-winning knock
- Outcome: Close loss that could have been historic upset
- Lesson: Associate teams can compete when given chances
“We almost beat India, having them 75 [77] for 6 – again Surya playing the way he played,” Jahangir recalled. “But if we had clinched those moments, we would have beaten the powerhouse of a World Cup team.”
Shadley van Schalkwyk currently leads tournament wicket charts with 8 wickets in 2 games at 6.25 average and identical 6.25 economy rate, proving USA possesses genuine talent.
Associate Teams’ World Cup Performance
Jahangir praised all Associate nations’ performances throughout the tournament, demonstrating they deserve more investment and opportunities.
Associate Nations Impact:
| Team | Notable Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Nearly defeated India (77/6) | Proved competitive ability |
| Nepal | Almost won vs England | Showed fighting spirit |
| Namibia | Competitive displays | Challenged established teams |
| Netherlands | Consistent performer | Regular upset potential |
“As you have seen in this World Cup, all teams that are tagged Associate nations have put on a show, and they’ve given a very tough time to all these big teams,” Jahangir stated.
Check points table standings to see how Associate nations are performing against top teams.
The Funding and Infrastructure Gap
Jahangir’s core argument centers on systematic underinvestment in Associate cricket infrastructure and financial resources.
What Associate Teams Lack:
- Quality Opposition: Limited matches against top teams
- Training Facilities: Inadequate grounds and infrastructure
- Financial Resources: Insufficient funding for proper preparation
- Exposure Opportunities: Minimal bilateral series with Full Members
- Player Development: Limited access to high-level coaching
“I would say we have not been watered properly. We haven’t been nurtured properly,” Jahangir declared. “But again, it’s all our players who are putting in the hard yards without the financial resources and without the infrastructure.”
His gardening metaphor perfectly captures the situation – talented plants exist but lack proper nourishment to bloom fully.
Major League Cricket’s Impact on USA Cricket
Despite challenges, Jahangir credited Major League Cricket’s inception for transforming cricket landscape in United States and providing crucial development platform.
MLC Benefits:
- Youth Participation: More kids picking up cricket
- Exposure to Stars: Rubbing shoulders with top T20 players
- Skill Development: Learning from international stars
- Public Awareness: Native Americans now aware USA has cricket team
- Long-term Growth: Foundation for future generations
“Since the inception of Major League Cricket, cricket has blossomed in the country,” Jahangir explained. “There are a lot of youths who are picking up a cricket ball and a cricket bat. I think those are the kids who are going to take cricket forward in the country.”
This domestic league provides exactly the kind of competitive environment and infrastructure Jahangir wants ICC to help replicate globally for Associate nations.
Jahangir’s Personal Journey – Pakistan to USA
Born in Karachi, Jahangir’s path to representing USA represents both personal sacrifice and opportunity. His story exemplifies many Associate cricketers’ journeys.
Career Timeline:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Pakistan Under-19 representative |
| 2014 | First-class debut for Pakistan International Airlines |
| 2016 | Last first-class match in Pakistan (December) |
| 2016-2022 | Relocated to Texas |
| November 2022 | USA international debut |
| Recent | Scored 49 off 34 vs Pakistan in Colombo |
“If I look at it in hindsight, everything happened for a reason,” Jahangir reflected. “It was a full-circle moment for me. I never imagined playing against Pakistan in a World Cup. I always wanted to play for the country where I was born. But God has plans for everybody.”
His journey demonstrates how Associate cricket provides second chances to talented players overlooked by their home nations.
Franchise Cricket Experience Builds Confidence
Jahangir’s stints in various franchise leagues significantly boosted his confidence and ability to compete at highest level.
Franchise League Experience:
- PSL 2026: Hyderabad Houston Kings (upcoming)
- CPL: Barbados Tridents
- ILT20: Dubai Capitals
- MLC: Regular participant
“Being thrown in the jungle against the big boys and coming out strong gives you a great sense of belief,” Jahangir said. “Again, these moments, if we keep seizing them… if most of the players also get those moments and they seize them, they will elevate their game.”
These franchise opportunities provide exactly the kind of high-pressure exposure against quality opposition that Associate players rarely receive in international cricket. View tournament schedule for USA’s remaining crucial fixtures.
Must-Win Netherlands Clash Ahead
USA faces Netherlands in Chennai in must-win encounter to keep knockout hopes alive. Jahangir’s passionate plea comes at critical juncture in USA’s World Cup campaign.
Match Context:
- Importance: Must-win for USA
- Opponent: Netherlands (experienced Associate team)
- Location: Chennai
- Stakes: Qualification hopes on line
Both teams understand victory essential for progressing further in tournament. USA’s near-miss against India provides confidence they can compete, but consistency remains challenge.
The Bigger Picture – Cricket’s Global Growth
Jahangir’s request transcends personal or team interests, addressing cricket’s fundamental growth challenge in expanding genuinely competitive global landscape.
What Proper Investment Could Achieve:
- More competitive World Cup matches
- Broader talent pool discovery
- Increased global cricket interest
- Financial sustainability for Associate boards
- Player pathway development
- Infrastructure improvements across nations
“If the ICC pays more attention to us and all the Associate nations, you’ll see more big games and you’ll see all these teams coming and changing their tag from Associate nations to big teams as well,” Jahangir concluded.
His vision aligns with making cricket truly global sport rather than exclusive club dominated by handful of wealthy nations. Stay updated with latest tournament news for more stories from World Cup.
FAQs
Q1. What did Shayan Jahangir request from ICC?
Jahangir requested ICC provide better funding and exposure opportunities to Associate nations, citing preparation gaps and infrastructure limitations.
Q2. Who is Dipendra Singh Airee and why did Jahangir mention him?
Dipendra Singh Airee holds the record for fastest T20I fifty (9 balls) but remains largely unknown globally, illustrating how talented Associate players lack exposure.
Q3. How did USA perform against India in T20 World Cup 2026?
USA nearly upset India, reducing them to 77/6 before Suryakumar Yadav’s match-winning knock. They lost narrowly despite dominating early.
Q4. What is Shayan Jahangir’s cricket background?
Born in Karachi, Jahangir represented Pakistan Under-19 (2013) and played first-class cricket before relocating to Texas and making USA debut in November 2022.
Q5. How has Major League Cricket impacted USA cricket?
MLC has significantly boosted cricket’s popularity in USA, with more youth participation, increased awareness, and players gaining exposure to top international talent.
Q6. When does USA play Netherlands?
USA faces Netherlands in must-win encounter in Chennai. The match is crucial for USA’s knockout qualification hopes in the tournament.
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