Mani welcomes integration of men's and women's cricket

The International Cricket Council President Ehsan Mani said, on Tuesday, the ICC [Images] was tremendously excited about the integration of men's and women's cricket.

"The conclusion of the entertaining World Cup tournament mark an historical time in the development of women's cricket. After two years' discussion, the International Women's Cricket Council has approved its merger with the ICC and the work can now begin to draw men's and women's cricket closer," Mani said in an ICC press release.

"The ICC is tremendously excited about the prospect of working with the players, administrators and all those involved in women's cricket," he said.

The ICC chief said bringing of the women's cricket under the umbrella of the ICC would help the drive of development of the sport.

"It is our responsibility to built on the existing body of knowledge and the ICC Women's Cricket committee members
will help us achieve this goal," he said.

"In addition, we have already employed Megan Smith in the new role of Women's Project officer to work specifically on
the integration project."

Outgoing IWCC President Christine Brierley said the merger would be a positive development.

"The merger will increase the participation levels of women and girls in cricket. The women's international profile will also benefit as there will be one body responsible for cricket worldwide," she said.

The integration of women's cricket will be formally recognised at the ICC annual conference in June this year.