ICC approves new three‑stage format for 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board approved major format changes for its flagship men’s tournaments at its annual meeting in Edinburgh. The 2027 ODI World Cup will keep 14 teams and be co‑hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will start with a “Super Series” round‑robin among the three lowest‑ranked qualifiers, with the winner joining the other 11 teams in two groups of six. The top three from each group plus the best fourth‑placed side will advance to a new “Super 7” round‑robin, after which the four best teams reach the semi‑finals.

The 2028 T20 World Cup will remain a 20‑team event, co‑hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The first stage will consist of five groups of four; the top two from each group move to a “Super 10” stage (two groups of five). Group winners advance directly to the semi‑finals, while the second‑placed teams face the opposite group’s third‑placed teams in new Eliminator matches for the remaining two semi‑final spots. The ICC also endorsed a proposal for a separate marquee tournament for associate nations.

Earlier speculation about cutting the 2027 ODI field to 12 teams was rejected after opposition from associate members, preserving opportunities for emerging cricketing nations.