ICC faces player backlash over 2027 ODI World Cup format change

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revised the structure of the 2027 men's 50‑over World Cup, to be co‑hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. While the tournament will still feature 14 teams, a new "Super Series" will see the three lowest‑ranked qualifiers play a round‑robin, with only one advancing to the main group stage.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) issued a statement calling the change "concerning" and highlighting a lack of consultation, transparency and potential harm to emerging cricket markets. Associate‑nation captains—including Scott Edwards (Netherlands), Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia), Richie Berrington (Scotland) and Paul Stirling (Ireland)—also voiced disappointment, warning that the new format reduces meaningful opportunities for their players and undermines the ICC's stated goal of global growth. The WCA warned that the revision could diminish the developmental and commercial benefits for emerging teams, which previously enjoyed guaranteed World Cup campaigns under the 14‑team format used in 2015.