ICC Proposes Major Overhaul for Men's Cricket Competitions

The ICC is exploring transformative changes to its major men's cricket competitions, including the World Cup and T20 formats. Proposed adjustments aim to enhance competition and viewer engagement, with discussions about a new tournament similar to the FIFA Club World Cup. Key changes may include a shift to a 12-team format for the World Cup and a 'Super 10' structure for the T20 World Cup. The World Test Championship could also see the introduction of semi-finals, increasing the stakes for teams. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 21:14 IST

Transformative Changes in ICC Men's Competitions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating significant modifications to the structure of its three primary men's senior tournaments across all formats. These proposals were brought to light during the recent annual meeting held in Edinburgh. According to a report from a major news outlet, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, ICC World Test Championship, and ICC Men's T20 World Cup may undergo substantial revisions. Additionally, plans for a tournament akin to the FIFA Club World Cup are also in the works, as suggested by an ICC Working Group led by Roger Twose from New Zealand.

Upcoming Changes for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027

The 2027 Cricket World Cup, set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, is poised for a significant format change. Initially planned as a 14-team tournament following the participation of only 10 teams in 2019 and 2023, discussions are now leaning towards a 12-team format. If approved, this new structure will feature two groups of six teams each, with seven teams advancing to a 'Super 7' stage. This includes three teams from each group and the highest-ranked fourth-placed team.

Revised Format for ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Furthermore, the T20 World Cup may transition to a 'Super 10' format instead of the current 'Super 8'. Since its expansion to a 20-team format, teams have been organized into four groups of five, with the top two advancing. The proposed new format would see teams divided into five groups of four, with the top two from each group moving forward.

World Test Championship Adjustments

In the World Test Championship, a semi-final round could replace the existing standalone final, following each team’s participation in six series over a two-year period. This change is expected to enhance viewer engagement by introducing a greater sense of competition and stakes during the league phase. However, a final decision regarding the proposed expansion to 12 teams is still pending.

Introduction of ICC World Club T20 Tournament

Additionally, a new tournament, reminiscent of the FIFA Club World Cup and tentatively named 'World Cup T20', is being considered for launch in the upcoming years. This event would provide a platform for franchise teams from around the globe to compete against one another, similar to the now-defunct Champions League T20.