Associate cricket nations have criticised the ICC’s revamped 2027 ODI World Cup format, saying it reduces opportunities for emerging teams. Under the new structure, lower-ranked qualifiers could be eliminated after just two matches, prompting concerns over player careers and cricket’s global growth.

Dubai (UAE), July 17: The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revamped format for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup has triggered criticism from Associate nations, with players and the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) accusing the governing body of reducing opportunities for emerging teams and failing to consult stakeholders before introducing major changes.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will continue to feature 14 teams, but under the revised structure, the tournament will begin with a three-team round-robin ‘Super Series’ involving the lowest-ranked qualifiers. Two teams will be eliminated after playing only two matches each, a move that has frustrated Associate nations seeking more opportunities to compete against Full Member teams.

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards termed the decision a setback for developing cricket nations, saying qualifying for the ODI World Cup is a major achievement and changes to the format after years of planning were disappointing.

“Qualifying for an ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it's incredibly disappointing,” Edwards said in a statement released by the WCA, according to Cricinfo.