The next big cricket event is the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. There are less than 15 months left for the tournament; As per the schedule, it is scheduled to run from October 4 to November 21, 2027.
However, ahead of the tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made changes to the format of the tournament. Earlier, it was discussed that 14 teams would participate in the World Cup, which would be divided into two groups.
Now it has been reduced from 14 to 12, the Associate countries will get fewer matches and the largest countries will get to play more matches. The ICC will not accept that it is no longer a 14-team tournament; Instead, they will play teams ranked 12 to 14 in a “Super Series”, with one side qualifying for the main draw.
How could there be three India vs Pakistan matches in the revised 2027 World Cup format?
According to the new rules, there will still be 14 teams. But now this tournament of 14 teams has become a competition of 12 teams. In each sports World Cup, all participating nations enter the tournament at the same stage in the first round. However, this will not happen in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Now, as per the new format, India and Pakistan are expected to be in the same group during the Super 6 format, where they will face each other, and once again, if both the teams qualify for the next round, they will again be able to play in the Super 7, which is a round-robin format.
After that, if Pakistan plays good cricket and qualifies for the knockouts, they may once again face the Men in Blue in the semi-finals, which will likely be played in three matches.
According to the ICC, this new format will have “more context, competitiveness and results throughout the event.” However, this format has been done to maximize financial value and increase the commercialization of the game.
Under the previous format, teams could play 11 games if they reached the finals; They will now be able to play 13 matches, which means there will be more matches in India and the apex body will be able to generate more broadcast revenue, as India matches generate more revenue than any other match, especially India vs Pakistan, which could happen thrice next year.
How might Associate countries be disadvantaged under the revised format?
Over the years, some of the associate nations have performed brilliantly in various World Cups. He has surprised some big teams in ODI and T20 tournaments. They have worked hard for years to qualify for this mega event and now they will have limited chances.
The new format will allow only one of the Associate Nations to qualify for the ICC World Cup, as the other is Namibia, which is already the host and will be participating. Additionally, the reduced 12-team tournament would lack the sporting nature of ICC events, as the two teams playing the last match of the Super Series would have an unfair advantage.
