ICC revamps ODI and T20 World Cups

International cricket tournament formats will undergo significant overhauls to create more meaningful contests and elevate competitive standards following decisions made at the annual meetings in Edinburgh.

The International Cricket Council Board approved recommendations from the Chief Executives’ Committee to restructure both the men’s Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup. Under the revised structure, the fourteen-team Cricket World Cup will feature a three-stage competition leading to the finals, including a highly competitive Super Seven stage where seven qualifying teams compete in a round-robin format to secure semi-final spots. This format ensures matches carry higher consequence from the opening fixture through to the final stages.

The 20-team T20 World Cup will expand its second stage, increasing the number of competing nations from eight to ten. Two teams will continue to qualify from each group, broadening the representation of emerging nations in the new Super 10 phase. Crucially, new eliminator matches will see the second and third-ranked teams from the groups battle for semi-final berths, adding intensity to the closing group fixtures.

A new 16-team global tournament will also serve as a precursor to the T20 World Cup, designed to ensure enhanced competitive standards and a marquee competition for associate nations. Furthermore, the board approved the qualification framework for the 2028 T20 World Cup, establishing clear pathways through regional events.