Cricket's world governing body has taken over the running of the women's international game. The International Women's Cricket Council, founded in 1958, will be replaced by an ICC advisory committee, chaired by Holland's Betty Timmer.
Timmer, the former IWCC vice-president, hailed the move as "a very big step forward for women's cricket globally".
"We have to get used to the structure of the ICC - but it's great and exciting," she told BBC Sport.
"Hopefully we will get in a few years an Under-21 World Cup and more development of women's cricket.
"Now we can use all the 94 ICC members in the development programme.
"I hope we can use the ICC sponsorships and in selling television rights, women's cricket can be a part of it."
 |  I always thought there was a top five but after this World Cup it is more of a top four |
Timmer paid tribute to the level of organisation at the eighth Women's World Cup.
But the former Netherlands manager fears a gulf is opening between semi-finalists Australia, New Zealand, India and England and the rest.
"It's a big step forward since the last World Cup in New Zealand but I'm a bit disappointed about the level of play," she continued.
"I always thought there was a top five but after this World Cup it is more of a top four - South Africa are not performing.
"It's good that the tournament is in South Africa so the UCB can see what the level of play is and that they need to spend money."
MMIX
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"England had mixed feelings after reaching the semi-finals"