The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved sweeping changes to the formats of its marquee men’s tournaments — the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — aimed at elevating competitiveness, consequence, and fan engagement.
The decisions were taken during the ICC Board’s annual meetings in Edinburgh, following recommendations from the Chief Executives’ Committee.
Under the new structure, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will continue to feature 14 teams but will now include a ‘Super Series’ round before the group stage, creating higher stakes from the opening matches. The tournament will progress through four rounds — Super Series, Group Round, Super 7, and Knockouts — culminating in the Finals. The revised format promises greater context and intensity, ensuring every match carries significance.
For the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the number of participating teams rises to 20, with a re‑formatted group stage and the introduction of Eliminator matches between second‑ and third‑placed teams in the Super 10 stage. This change aims to sustain competitive tension until the semifinals while expanding opportunities for emerging nations.
The ICC also endorsed a 16‑team global tournament as a precursor to the T20 World Cup, offering associate nations a marquee platform to compete at higher standards. Additionally, the Board approved the qualification pathway for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028, ensuring regional representation and a transparent route to global participation.
Officials said the revamp aligns with ICC’s vision to deliver “more meaningful contests” and strengthen cricket’s global structure, enhancing the experience for players and fans alike.
