MUMBAI:Cricket's global governing body has tossed the ball back to Sourav Ganguly, reappointing the former Indian captain as chairperson of the ICC men's cricket committee for another term. The 52-year-old, affectionately known as "Dada" by fans, will continue in the role he first took guard at in 2021 after replacing spin wizard Anil Kumble.

Ganguly's longtime batting partner VVS Laxman, known for his very, very special wristy flicks, has also been retained on the panel—ensuring India's continued heavyweight presence at cricket's administrative crease.

The refreshed committee features a who's who of cricket luminaries. Afghanistan's Hamid Hassan and West Indies legend Desmond Haynes have been drafted in alongside South Africa's current test and one-day international captain Temba Bavuma and former England batsman Jonathan Trott.

Meanwhile, in the women's pavilion, former New Zealand off-spinner Catherine Campbell has been elevated to chairperson of the ICC women's cricket committee. She'll be joined in the middle by ex-Australian player Avril Fahey and Cricket South Africa's Pholetsi Moseki.

The ICC's commitment to inclusivity was bowled up by secretary Jay Shah, who announced a special task force and support fund for displaced Afghan women cricketers. "We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances," Shah declared from the non-striker's end.

This support will be backed by a "comprehensive high-performance programme" designed to keep Afghan women's cricket dreams alive despite challenging political conditions back home—proving that when it comes to cricket diplomacy, the ICC is determined not to be caught out.