The ICC’s new format for the 2027 ODI World Cup has come under criticism from top Associate cricket nations, who say it will limit the chances for the lesser-known teams to play on the biggest stage of the sport.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has faced a lot of backlash from Associate countries after announcing a new format for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, with several captains and players saying they were disappointed with the changes.
The tournament will have 14 teams, but the new Super Series format will see two teams get cut after two games, reducing exposure at the global tournament.
New ODI World Cup Format Draws Criticism
The 2027 World Cup, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will kick off with a Super Series between the three lowest ranked teams in the draw.
Both sides will play two games with one side progressing to the main group stage. The other two teams will be knocked out before the tournament starts in full swing.
The new format is not seen as promoting the World Cup’s goal of growing the game, and many Associate nations feel it has cut down on opportunities for the new cricket nations.
Associate Captains Voice Concerns
The ICC’s decision has been questioned by captains from Netherlands, Namibia and Scotland in public.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said it takes years of hard work to qualify for a World Cup and it is sad to see the teams that will be playing in the tournament possibly leaving after just two games.
He also said that matches with Associate nations should be held regularly with Full Member nations to keep developing and encouraging the future cricketers.
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said the same, saying that qualification to the World Cup should give teams a real opportunity to play, not just a fleeting one.
Questions Over Qualification Pathway
The changes have also thrown doubt on the relevance of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament.
The teams compete in dozens of qualifying matches over several years to secure a spot in the World Cup. Those who have criticized them for playing just two games in the World Cup qualification process say that this diminishes the significance of the qualification phase.
The format has been changed, and many players feel that it is less meaningful, even though the tournament has grown from 10 to 14 teams.
Players Call for Greater Consultation
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) also criticised the ICC’s decision-making process, claiming players and member nations were not properly consulted before the format was changed.
The changes to global tournaments should be made with increased transparency and meaningful discussions with players, particularly if teams have been training for years under a different qualification system, WCA chief executive Tom Moffat said.
Players should be consulted on matters that have a significant impact on international cricket and their careers, although they do not expect to make every decision, Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.
More Associate Players Join the Debate
A number of other Associate bowlers have voiced their discontent with the new format too.
George Munsey, a batter for Scotland, questioned the ICC’s lack of support for countries outside the “big cricket nations” and Netherlands players Max O’Dowd and Logan van Beek also had concerns.
Ireland ODI skipper Paul Stirling cited the growing FIFA World Cup as an illustration of how global events can generate more opportunities for developing countries and interest in the game around the world.
ICC Defends the Changes
The ICC has defended the changes to the tournament format, saying it will make the World Cup more competitive and exciting.
The governing body said the new format would enhance the overall fan experience and enable emerging teams to play at the biggest 50-over cricket format.
The ICC has also reiterated that T20 cricket will continue to be its main mode of growth and the Men’s T20 World Cup has already grown to 20 teams.
Debate Over Cricket’s Global Growth Continues
The new ODI World Cup format has brought the issue of the role of international cricket for the emerging nations to the fore again.
The ICC feels the new format will make the competition better but Associate teams say more meaningful growth can be achieved by increasing the opportunities to play the world’s best teams on the largest stage.
The debate on competitiveness versus global expansion will likely continue to be a key topic as preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup roll on.
