The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has raised concerns over the new format of the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup recently approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The WCA fears that the new format of the ODI World Cup could stunt the growth of the game worldwide.
The ICC, after its annual meeting in Scotland, introduced a new-sized format for the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. The WCA noted in its official press release on 17 July that the new format, which allows 14 teams in the tournament but an additional qualification round for the three lower-ranked teams in the tournament, has raised concerns.
WCA casts doubt on ODI World Cup format approved by ICC
As per the revised format, the tournament features a total of 14 teams, with an initial round-robin format competition between 12 teams.th13th and 14th ranked teams. The WCA issue mainly concerns the early stages of the tournament.
The WCA, in its official release, noted that the revised format has raised doubts about the sport’s long-term commitment to transparency, consultation and global development.
Previously, lower-ranked teams had to prove their quality and strength through qualification matches before qualifying for the ODI World Cup, where they got a chance to face top-ranked cricket playing nations.
WCA alleges ICC did not have significant communication with associate members
According to the WCA’s views, with the latest added additional qualification rounds within the tournament, the chances for lower ranked teams to face top teams have been significantly reduced.
The association alleged that the ICC set the revised format without any meaningful dialogue with the key stakeholders of the game, including the players.
Captains of many cricket playing countries have also raised their voice in support of WCA.
It’s incredibly disappointing: Scott Edwards, Netherlands men’s national cricket team captain
Netherlands men’s national cricket team captain Scott Edwards is among the voices who are against the format. He mentioned that qualifying for the ODI World Cup is a huge achievement in itself as it involves years of planning. Fundamental changes to the format will make it difficult for associate members to be a part of major tournaments.
Edwards, in support of the WCA, says, “Qualifying for the ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it is incredibly disappointing. The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”
“Those opportunities are what help countries improve and inspire the next generation of players. If we are serious about making cricket a global game, we must create more opportunities on the global stage, not less,” he said.
Ireland men’s national cricket team captain Paul Stirling claims that, like the football World Cup, where many lower-ranked nations take part, in cricket, the associate nations always add value to the 50-over World Cup.
Addressing the issue regarding the revised format of the ICC ODI World Cup, Paul Stirling says, “Smaller and associate nations have consistently proven to add value and interest to global events. The football World Cup we have just seen is testament to other sports, and it would be great to see cricket adopt a similar approach to maximize opportunities for the game.”
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibian men’s captain), Richie Berrington (Scotland men’s captain), Harmeet Singh (American player), and Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand player) are other notable personalities who have stood in support of the WCA.
