The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant reforms to its premier men's cricket tournaments, including a revamped structure for both the One Day International (ODI) and T20 World Cups. These changes, which also include the establishment of a new global competition for associate nations, were approved during the ICC Board's annual meetings held in Edinburgh. The modifications are intended to enhance the competitive nature of the tournaments and provide a more engaging experience for players and fans alike.
Revamped ODI World Cup Format
Under the new guidelines, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will maintain its 14-team format but will now incorporate a three-stage process leading up to the knockout rounds. The initial phase will see the three lowest-ranked teams—those finishing 12th, 13th, and 14th—compete in a round-robin 'Super Series'. The victor of this series will then join the other 11 teams in the subsequent round.
The second round will consist of two groups, each containing six teams, competing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across both groups, will advance to the Super 7 stage. This final phase will feature a single round-robin among the seven teams, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. The semi-final matchups will see the first-placed team face the fourth, while the second and third-placed teams will compete against each other. The winners will then meet in the championship final.
Changes to the T20 World Cup Structure
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Teams finishing second in each group will face off against the third-placed teams from the opposite group in two eliminator matches, with the winners securing the final semi-final spots. The ICC believes that these changes will not only increase the number of teams competing in the latter stages but also enhance the overall competitiveness of the tournament.
New Qualification Pathway for 2028
In addition to the tournament format changes, the ICC has established a new qualification pathway for the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup. Scotland will gain direct entry into the Europe Regional Final, acknowledging its unique circumstances during the 2026 tournament. Teams that participated in the 2026 T20 World Cup but did not qualify automatically will advance directly to the Global Qualifier.
The remaining eight spots in the Global Qualifier will be filled through regional competitions, with Africa, Asia, and Europe each receiving two places, while the Americas and East Asia-Pacific regions will each secure one berth. From the Global Qualifier, the top team from each region, along with the next three best-performing teams overall, will qualify for the 2028 T20 World Cup, contingent upon meeting minimum performance standards.
