How many teams will compete in 2027 ODI World Cup? ICC considers changes to ODI, T20 World Cup formats
ICC gathered in Edinburgh last week for its annual conference, where discussions touched on several proposals that could reshape how international cricket looks in the years ahead.
With fresh negotiations over broadcast deals on the horizon, the ICC is reportedly keen to fine-tune its various formats to maximise commercial value. According to sources who spoke to BBC Sport, several significant changes are being actively considered.
The ICC is considering changing the number of teams in the ODI World Cup, restructuring the T20 World Cup format to include a Super 10 stage and even adding a semi-final stage to World Test Championships.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
How many teams will compete in 2027 ODI World Cup?
One major proposal under discussion involves trimming the 50-over World Cup field from 14 teams down to 12, while introducing a new “super seven” stage into the tournament structure. The changes could potentially be rolled out as early as the 2027 edition.
If this is implemented, then only two teams will advance from the global qualifier instead of the four originally planned.
T20 World Cup format to be altered
A similar shake-up is reportedly being explored for the T20 World Cup, with suggestions that the current “super eight” stage could be expanded into a Super 10 phase.
Interestingly, these structural tweaks could indirectly increase opportunities for India and Pakistan to face off, a fixture that rarely happens outside of major ICC events despite being cricket’s most commercially valuable contest.
Separately, plans for a tournament bringing together top franchise teams from domestic T20 leagues worldwide appear to be gaining momentum. According to one source, such an event could launch within the next couple of years, provided a suitable window can be found in an already packed calendar.
A meeting involving franchise executives from around the world is scheduled later this year, which could offer further clarity. ICC wants to emulate the Club World Cup under FIFA, as they are eager to tap into the growing commercial appeal of franchise cricket on a global scale.
MORE: Visit Cricket News for all the latest cricket coverage and opinion
Will ODI be reduced to 40 overs from 50 overs?
There were reports that the ICC were mulling over reducing the ODI format from 50 to 40 overs. However, it’s understood that no immediate changes are planned for the ODI format.
But the governing body will continue to brainstorm means and ways to keep the ODI format relevant.
There’s also no indication that the ODI Super League, which ran between 2020 and 2023 as a World Cup qualification pathway, will be revived, having already been scrapped for the current qualifying cycle.
Instead, the ICC has encouraged full member nations to schedule more fixtures involving their ‘A’ teams against associate nations across white-ball formats as a way of supporting the sport’s broader growth.
World Test Championship changes proposed
There have been plans to expand the World Test Championship to 12 teams, but they remain unresolved for now.
A working group led by New Zealand board member Roger Twose continues examining how nations like Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe might eventually be incorporated, but no formal proposal has been finalised. Hence, their inclusion within the next FTP cycle unlikely at this stage.
There has, however, been growing interest in introducing semi-finals to the WTC structure. ICC believes that this would particularly benefit mid-table teams and could boost overall engagement with the format.
