International Cricket Council revamps formats for men’s World Cups

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council has changed the competition formats of two major men’s tournaments, adding a preliminary round before the group stage of the 2027 World Cup and revamping the playoffs for the Twenty20 World Cup in 2028.

“The changes were introduced to create more meaningful contests, elevate competitive standards, strengthen the competitive structure of both events, and enhance the tournament experience for athletes and fans,” cricket ‘s international governing body said in the wake of weekend board meetings.

The traditional World Cup — which features one-day international games — is usually staged once every four years. Australia is the defending champion after beating India in the final at Ahmedabad in a 10-team tournament in 2023.

Next year’s edition will involve 14 teams and be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The T20 World Cup is usually staged once every two years, and India is the defending champion after winning on home soil in March.

2027 WORLD CUP

Round 1: The teams in the 12th, 13th and 14th qualifying places will contest a so-called “Super Series” round, with the winner advancing to join 11 other teams in the group stage.

Round 2: Twelve teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top three teams from each group in the league stage will advance — along with the best fourth-place team — to the Super 7 stage.

Round 3: The Super 7 round includes a round-robin format with each team playing six other rivals and the top four advancing to the knockout stage. The semifinals will feature No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3.

“The structure has been designed to strengthen the competitive narrative across every stage of the event,” the ICC said.

T20 WORLD CUP