Edinburgh: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced sweeping changes to the formats of its marquee men’s tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The decisions were finalised during the ICC’s Annual Conference in Edinburgh, with the governing body aiming to increase competitiveness and deliver more meaningful matches across all stages.
The overhaul introduces a three-stage structure for the 14-team ODI World Cup and expands the second phase of the T20 World Cup, alongside the addition of eliminator matches. The ICC said the changes are designed to “elevate competitive standards and enhance the experience for players and fans.”
New three-stage format for ODI World Cup
The ODI World Cup will continue to feature 14 teams but will move away from its earlier structure to a more layered, high-stakes format.
The tournament will now begin with Round 1known as the Super Serieswhere the bottom three ranked teams (12th, 13th and 14th) will compete. Only one team from this stage will progress further, making early matches crucial.
In Round 212 teams will be divided into two groups of six, playing a total of 30 matches. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-performing team across both groups, will qualify for the next stage.
This leads to the newly introduced Super 7 stagea round-robin league featuring seven teams and 21 matches. The top four teams from this stage will advance to the semi-finals.
According to the ICC, this format ensures that “every match carries greater consequence” and builds a stronger competitive narrative throughout the tournament.
Expanded Super 10 stage in T20 World Cup
The ICC has also introduced major changes to the T20 World Cup structure, especially in the second phase of the tournament.
The 20-team competition will now begin with five groups of four teams eachreplacing the earlier format of four groups of five. This stage will consist of 30 matches, with the top two teams from each group progressing further.
The second stage will now be expanded into a Super 10 formatcomprising two groups of five teams each. This change is aimed at giving more teams, especially emerging cricketing nations, a chance to compete at a higher level.
Introduction of eliminators adds knockout drama
A key addition to the T20 World Cup is the introduction of eliminator matcheswhich significantly alters the path to the semi-finals.
Only the top team from each Super 10 group will qualify directly for the semi-finals. The teams finishing second and third in each group will play cross-over eliminators to secure the remaining two semi-final spots.
The ICC noted that this structure will increase the importance of final group matches and ensure a higher level of competition.
Qualification pathway for 2028 T20 World Cup
The ICC also outlined the qualification structure for the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle, providing clarity for teams aiming to secure a place in the tournament.
Teams that featured in the 2026 edition but did not qualify automatically will move directly into the Global Qualifier. They will be joined by eight teams emerging from regional qualifiers:
- 2 teams each from Africa, Asia and Europe
- 1 team each from the Americas and East Asia-Pacific
The top team from each region, along with the next three best-performing teams overall, will qualify for the 2028 T20 World Cup, subject to minimum performance criteria.
In a notable decision, Scotland has been granted direct entry into the Europe Regional Final due to exceptional circumstances surrounding their participation in the 2026 tournament.
ICC aims to boost competitiveness and global reach
The ICC emphasised that these changes are part of a broader strategy to make tournaments more engaging and competitive. By increasing the number of high-stakes matches and providing more opportunities for emerging teams, the governing body aims to strengthen cricket’s global footprint.
The proposals have been approved by the ICC Board following recommendations from its Chief Executives’ Committee and Development Committee. However, final approval will be subject to a review by the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee later this year.
Conclusion
The ICC’s decision marks one of the most significant structural overhauls in recent cricket history. With new formats designed to increase intensity, fairness and global participation, future editions of the ODI and T20 World Cups are set to become more competitive and engaging.
These changes reflect the evolving landscape of international cricket, where balancing tradition with innovation remains key to sustaining the sport’s global appeal.
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