In a series of shocking events, the ICC has come under scrutiny from two European cricket boards over its changed road to the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. Cricket Scotland and Netherlands Cricket have joined hands to raise objections to the governing body's changes, questioning both the revised qualification process and the structure planned for the global tournament.
ICC faces cirticism
Both boards have questioned the timing of the decision, with the World Cup less than 18 months away. Expressing disappointment over the delayed changes, they warned that the revised system risks slowing the development process of the Associate nations and could further reduce the opportunities available to emerging countries at the biggest stage.
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“Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) are deeply disappointed by the International Cricket Council's recent decision to implement significant structural changes to the ICC Men's 50-over World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format with less than 18 months until the competition begins,” the statement read.
“These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message," the statement added
All you need to know about the changed format of 2027 World Cup
A major overhaul of the tournament was announced by the ICC on July 15, although the number of participating countries will remain unchanged at 14. Instead of following the previous structure, the 2027 edition will feature three different stages before the tournament reaches the knockouts. The opening stage, called the Super series, will put the three lowest-ranked qualifiers against each other in a round-robin clash. Only the team finishing on top will secure a place in the next round.
The winner of the opening stage will reach the 12-team second phase, joining the 11 nations already waiting in the main round. From there, the teams will be split evenly into two groups of six, with 30 games scheduled across the stage. Seven sides will eventually move forward, comprising the top three finishers from each group and the better-performing fourth-placed team.
The seven teams progressing from the second phase will compete in the Super 7, playing 21 round-robin games before the top four advance to the semifinals, where first will face fourth and second will lock horns against the third for a place in the final.
While the ICC believes that the revamped format will see a surge in competitiveness and make games more meaningful right from the start.