The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering major changes to the T20 World Cup by replacing the existing Super Eight stage with a new Super 10 format. According to the HT report, the proposal is expected to be approved during the upcoming meetings of the governing body before the next tournament cycle.
The proposal was discussed during the recent ICC annual board meeting. The changes are aimed at improving the commercial value of the tournament, reducing one-sided matches in the early stages and creating more marquee contests between top teams, including an India vs Pakistan clash ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup.
ICC plans Super 10 format to make T20 World Cup more competitive
The ICC is considering replacing the current Super Eight stage with a Super 10 stage from the 2028 T20 World Cup. The proposal aims to reduce the number of initial group-stage matches and create more high-profile competitions before the knockout rounds.
Under the current format, 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five each. The proposed structure would divide the teams into five groups of four each, with the first stage reduced to 30 matches before introducing a 20-match Super 10 stage.
ICC officials believe the new format will improve the tournament without reducing opportunities for Associate nations. Recent upsets, including the United States defeating Pakistan in 2024, Nepal challenging England in 2026 and Zimbabwe eliminating Australia this year, have shown the strength of emerging teams.
ICC reviews changes to ODI World Cup structure
The ICC is also discussing possible changes to the 2027 ODI World Cup as it looks to improve the structure and commercial appeal of the tournament. The proposals were discussed during the recent annual conference in Edinburgh, with broadcasters and scheduling also forming part of the talks.
One proposal suggests reducing the tournament from 14 teams to 12, introducing a Super Seven stage after the group stage. The revised format could reduce the number of teams qualifying through a global qualifying tournament from four to two.
However, reports indicate that the ODI World Cup proposal is still under discussion and is less certain than the change to the T20 World Cup. The ICC is expected to take a final decision after further meetings with its members and broadcast partners.
World Test Championship and Club T20 also discussed
The ICC is also exploring changes to the World Test Championship to keep more teams competing throughout the cycle. One proposal discussed in Edinburgh would see semi-finals introduced, giving teams in the middle of the table a realistic chance of reaching the final.
An ICC working group, led by Roger Toose, is also studying plans to expand the WTC in the future to include Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. However, those changes are unlikely to be introduced in the next future tour program cycle.
The governing body is also moving closer to launching a World Club T20 competition with the participation of champion franchise teams from around the world. If approved, the tournament could begin in the next few years if space is available in the international calendar.
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