Cricket fans can expect a very different World Cup experience over the next few years! The ICC World Cup format changes announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) will reshape how teams qualify, compete and reach the finals of the biggest tournaments in men’s cricket. The new formats aim to make every match more meaningful, give emerging cricket nations more chances to shine and keep the excitement alive from the opening game to the final. The changes will first be seen at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Let’s find out what is changing and what it means for players and fans.
Why has the ICC changed the World Cup formats?
The ICC says the new formats are designed to:
- Make every match more competitive.
- Reduce matches that have little impact on the tournament.
- Give emerging cricket nations better opportunities.
- Create more exciting contests throughout the competition.
- Improve the experience for players and fans.
What’s changing in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will still feature 14 teams, but the tournament will now have three competition stages before the final.
Stage 1: Super Series
- The bottom three qualified teams will play each other in a round-robin.
- Only the winner will move to the next stage.
- The other two teams will be eliminated.
Stage 2: Group Stage
- Twelve teams will compete.
- They will be divided into two groups of six.
- Each team plays every other team in its group once.
The teams that qualify are:
- Top three teams from each group.
- One additional team with the next best overall record.
That means seven teams advance.
Stage 3: Super 7
This is a brand-new stage.
- Seven teams play each other in a round-robin.
- Every match counts.
- The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals.
Semi-finals and Final
- 1st vs 4th
- 2nd vs 3rd
The winners meet in the final.
How is this different from the previous ODI World Cup?
Previously:
- Two groups of seven teams.
- Top three teams reached the Super Six stage.
- Semi-finals.
- Final.
Now:
- Super Series
- Two groups of six
- Super 7
- Semi-finals
- Final
The ICC believes this new structure will make every match more important from the very beginning.
What’s changing in the 2028 T20 World Cup?
The 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will continue to feature 20 teams, but the tournament format is changing significantly.
New Group Stage
Instead of:
- 4 groups of 5 teams
There will now be:
- 5 groups of 4 teams
The top two teams from each group will qualify.
New Super 10 Stage
Instead of the old Super Eight, there will now be a Super 10.
- 10 teams qualify.
- They are divided into two groups of five.
- Each team plays every other team in its group.
New Eliminators
A brand-new Eliminator stage has been added.
- The winners of both Super 10 groups qualify directly for the semi-finals.
- Teams finishing second will face the teams finishing third from the opposite group.
- The winners of those Eliminator matches claim the remaining two semi-final spots.
This means more teams stay in contention for longer, making the tournament even more exciting.
New qualification pathway for the 2028 T20 World Cup
The ICC has also introduced a revised qualification system.
Key changes include:
- A new 16-team Global Qualifier.
- More opportunities for Associate nations.
- Regional qualification tournaments across:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- Americas
- East Asia-Pacific
The ICC has also proposed a separate 16-team global tournament for Associate nations, although it still requires final approval.
Did You Know?
- The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup began in 1975 in England.
- The 2028 T20 World Cup will still feature 20 teams, showing cricket’s growing popularity around the world.
- The ICC says the new formats are designed to make every match feel like it matters, right from the first ball.
FAQs About the ICC World Cup Format Changes
When will the new ODI World Cup format begin?
Answer: The new format will be introduced at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Will the 2027 ODI World Cup still have 14 teams?
Answer: Yes. The tournament will continue to feature 14 teams, although the competition structure has changed.
What is the Super 7 stage?
Answer: It is a new round-robin stage featuring seven qualifying teams. The top four teams will reach the semi-finals.
How many teams will play in the 2028 T20 World Cup?
Answer: Twenty teams will compete, just like in 2026.
What is the Super 10 stage?
Answer: It replaces the Super Eight stage. Ten teams will compete in two groups of five before the knockout rounds.
What are the new Eliminators?
Answer: Teams finishing second in one Super 10 group will play the teams finishing third in the opposite group for the final two semi-final places.
Why has the ICC made these changes?
Answer: The ICC wants to increase competitiveness, reduce less important matches and provide more opportunities for emerging cricket nations.
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