Edinburgh, June 2026 — The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing sweeping structural changes to its marquee tournaments, including a reduction of the 2027 ODI World Cup from 14 to 12 teams and the introduction of a “Super 10s” round for the T20 World Cup, according to reports from its ongoing meetings in Edinburgh. The proposals, if approved, would mark the most significant reform to cricket’s global calendar in over a decade, reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape while intensifying debates over inclusivity, commercial viability, and the future of associate nations.
What Happened
During closed-door sessions in Edinburgh, ICC officials discussed multiple proposals aimed at streamlining its flagship tournaments, sources familiar with the deliberations told Herald Express. The most contentious proposal involves shrinking the 2027 ODI World Cup—co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia—to 12 teams, down from the 14 that competed in the 2023 edition in India. The current format includes 10 full-member teams and four qualifiers from associate nations, but the proposed reduction would likely eliminate at least two of those qualifier spots, according to The Times of India.
Separately, the ICC is evaluating a “Super 10s” format for the T20 World Cup, which would see the top two teams from each of the tournament’s initial groups advance to a second round. This structure, reminiscent of formats used in rugby and football World Cups, is designed to inject knockout-style drama into the early stages of the competition. However, critics argue it could undermine the unpredictability and excitement of the group stage, which has been a hallmark of recent T20 World Cups.
Other proposals, including a 12-team World Test Championship (WTC) and a 40-over ODI format, remain under discussion but appear unlikely to advance in the near term. Cricbuzz reported that while the ICC has not finalized any decisions, the board is expected to vote on the ODI World Cup reduction and T20 format changes before its next meeting later this year.
In a parallel development, the ICC confirmed Mauritius as its newest member, bringing the total number of associate nations to 96. However, the suspension of cricket in the USA and Canada—imposed in 2025 due to governance disputes—remains in place, with no timeline provided for reinstatement.
Why It Matters
The ICC’s proposed changes reflect a broader existential tension in cricket: how to balance commercial growth with the sport’s global expansion. The ODI World Cup, historically the pinnacle of 50-over cricket, has faced declining relevance in recent years as T20 leagues and bilateral series dominate the calendar. The 2023 edition in India was a commercial success, generating over $1 billion in revenue, but questions persist about the format’s long-term sustainability.
Reducing the tournament to 12 teams could enhance competitiveness among full members, ensuring that only the highest-performing teams qualify. However, it risks sidelining associate nations, which have used the World Cup as a platform to showcase talent and attract investment. Namibia, co-host of the 2027 tournament, is among the associate nations that could lose a guaranteed spot under the new format, raising concerns about the ICC’s commitment to grassroots development.
The “Super 10s” proposal, meanwhile, underscores the ICC’s efforts to adapt to changing fan preferences. T20 cricket, with its fast-paced, high-stakes format, has become the sport’s primary revenue driver, and the governing body is under pressure to maximize its appeal. However, the proposed changes could alienate fans who value the unpredictability of the current group stage, where underdog teams like the Netherlands and Ireland have delivered memorable upsets.
Background and Context
The ICC’s deliberations come at a critical juncture for cricket. The sport’s traditional power structures—dominated by full-member nations like India, Australia, and England—are facing increasing competition from T20 leagues, which offer players lucrative contracts and flexible schedules. The rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and the newly launched Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA has shifted player priorities, with many top cricketers opting to prioritize franchise cricket over international commitments.
Against this backdrop, the ODI World Cup has struggled to maintain its relevance. The 2019 edition in England was widely praised for its competitive balance, but the 2023 tournament in India was marred by one-sided matches in the group stage, raising questions about the format’s viability. The ICC’s proposal to reduce the number of teams is partly an attempt to address these concerns, ensuring that only the best-performing teams advance to the knockout stages.
The T20 World Cup, by contrast, has grown in stature since its inception in 2007. The 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies set new viewership records, with over 1.5 billion cumulative viewers, according to ICC data. The proposed “Super 10s” format is seen as a way to further capitalize on this success, though it remains unclear whether it will enhance or detract from the tournament’s appeal.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
The ICC’s proposals have sparked sharp divisions within the cricketing community. Full-member nations, particularly those with strong ODI teams like India, Australia, and England, are reportedly supportive of the 12-team World Cup, arguing that it will improve the quality of competition. “A smaller tournament with the best teams will make the ODI World Cup more prestigious,” an unnamed board member from a full-member nation told Hindustan Times.
Associate nations, however, have cried foul. The Netherlands, Scotland, and Namibia—all of which have made significant strides in recent years—stand to lose guaranteed spots under the new format. “This is a step backward for global cricket,” said a spokesperson for Cricket Namibia. “The ODI World Cup has been a lifeline for associate nations, and reducing the number of teams will only widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.”
The “Super 10s” proposal has also drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it will create more high-stakes matches early in the tournament, increasing fan engagement. “The current group stage can feel like a slog, with some matches having little bearing on the knockout rounds,” said former India captain Sourav Ganguly, now a commentator. “A Super 10s round would add urgency and excitement.”
Critics, however, warn that the change could dilute the tournament’s charm. “The beauty of the T20 World Cup is its unpredictability,” said former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. “You never know which team will pull off an upset. A Super 10s format might make the early stages feel too predictable.”
There is also uncertainty about the fate of other proposals, such as the 12-team World Test Championship and the 40-over ODI format. The WTC, introduced in 2019, has struggled to gain traction among fans and broadcasters, with many viewing it as an unnecessary complication to the Test calendar. The 40-over format, meanwhile, has been floated as a potential middle ground between ODIs and T20s, but The Times of India reported that it remains “just talk” for now.
What to Watch Next
The ICC’s next board meeting, scheduled for September 2026, will be pivotal in determining the future of these proposals. Key developments to monitor include:
1. Voting on the ODI World Cup Reduction – Full-member nations hold the majority of voting power in the ICC, and their stance will be decisive. If the proposal passes, associate nations will likely push for guaranteed qualification spots or alternative pathways to the tournament.
2. T20 World Cup Format Changes – The ICC may conduct fan surveys or trial the “Super 10s” format in lower-tier tournaments before implementing it in the World Cup. Broadcaster feedback will also play a crucial role, as television partners seek formats that maximize viewership.
3. Associate Nation Pushback – Cricket’s smaller nations are expected to lobby for alternative opportunities, such as expanded regional qualifiers or a dedicated associate-nation tournament. The ICC’s response will test its commitment to global expansion.
4. Governance Reforms – The suspension of cricket in the USA and Canada remains a pressing issue. The ICC has not provided a timeline for reinstatement, but pressure is mounting for a resolution, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, where cricket is set to make its debut.
5. Commercial Implications – The ICC’s decisions will have significant financial repercussions. A 12-team ODI World Cup could reduce broadcast revenue, as fewer matches mean fewer advertising slots. Conversely, a more competitive tournament could attract higher sponsorship deals.
Conclusion
The ICC’s proposed reforms represent a high-stakes gamble: streamline the sport’s marquee tournaments to enhance competitiveness and commercial appeal, or risk alienating associate nations and diluting the global growth that cricket has painstakingly built over the past two decades. The decisions made in Edinburgh and later this year will shape the sport’s trajectory for years to come, determining whether cricket can reconcile its traditional structures with the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
For now, the only certainty is uncertainty. As the ICC navigates these complex debates, one question looms large: Can cricket’s governing body strike the right balance between tradition and innovation, or will its reforms deepen the divide between the sport’s elite and its emerging nations?
Story synopsis gathered from: [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport), [Cricbuzz](https://www.cricbuzz.com), [The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com), [Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com), [Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com).
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Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India – Sports — source.
