ICC announces format changes for men’s World Cup tournaments
7 reported
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced revamped structures for its two men's World Cup tournaments, including a new 'Super Series' and 'Super 7' round for the 2027 50-over World Cup. The changes, approved at the ICC's annual board meetings in Edinburgh, are designed to improve "competitiveness and consequence" of the events. The 2027 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, will feature 14 teams, with the three lowest-ranked sides first competing in a 'Super Series' round where only the top team advances to a 12-team group phase. The top three teams from each main group, plus the next best-placed team, will then qualify for a 'Super 7' round, with the top four from that stage progressing to the semi-finals. For the 2028 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the second stage will expand from eight to 10 teams and be renamed 'Super 10', with new 'Eliminator' matches determining two semi-final spots. Scotland has been told they must compete in the European qualifying tournament, making them the only team from the 2026 edition to return to a regional qualifier.
What’s reported
The ICC announced format changes for both men's World Cup tournaments, approved at annual board meetings in Edinburgh.
The 2027 50-over World Cup will have 14 teams, with a new 'Super Series' round where the three lowest-ranked sides compete for one spot in a 12-team group phase.
The top three teams from each main group, plus the next best-placed team, will advance to a 'Super 7' round; the top four from that stage go to the semi-finals.
The 2028 T20 World Cup will expand its second stage from eight to 10 teams, renamed 'Super 10'.
In the T20 World Cup, second-placed teams in each Super 10 group will play an 'Eliminator' match against the third-placed team in the opposite group for semi-final spots.
Scotland must compete in the European qualifying tournament, the only team from the 2026 edition to return to a regional qualifier.
A new 'marquee' event for associate nations has been recommended but awaits final approval in November.
Key figures
ICC (International Cricket Council) – governing body
Scotland – national cricket team
Sources: Sky Sports
