The International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to face criticism for changing the format of the 50-over World Cup. The cricket boards of Scotland and the Netherlands are the latest to hit out at the apex body over structural changes. Earlier this year, the ICC confirmed the format for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, saying that there would be 12 teams in two groups of six, rather than 14 as originally planned.
The three lowest-ranked qualifying teams for the tournament will be placed in a preliminary three-team Super Series, from which only the winner will progress. This move basically means that Scotland and the Netherlands will have to go through three qualifying tournaments to reach the main stage in the World Cup.
On Monday, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Association (KNCB) released a joint statement, saying they are concerned about the impact these changes will have and questioning the process by which they have been introduced.
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“The changes risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, and only highlight the importance of strong governance, transparent decision-making and effective engagement with members,” the statement said.
“Changing those structures at short notice creates significant uncertainty, disrupts planning, and places additional operational and financial pressure on organisations that are already operating with limited resources,” the statement added.
How were the changes made?
The change to the World Cup format was made following an agreement reached at the ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh in June. However, a BBC report claimed that most of the Associate Members were kept in the dark over the change despite being a part of the conference.
“Cricket Scotland, KNCB and other Associate members met twice with the ICC, seeking official written communication on the changes and greater clarity around the processes involved,” the statement added.
“We also requested positive action to strengthen future operational decision-making and an invitation to bilateral planning meetings with full members. Since the second meeting more than two weeks ago, there has been no further response from the ICC, which is disappointing and disrespectful given the significance of the issues raised,” the statement added.
Earlier, in a media statement, the ICC had confirmed that the 14-team World Cup will now include four rounds. There would be a Super Series round prior to the Group round to enhance the consequence at the early stage of the tournament
In Round 1, there will be three teams in the Super Series, and the top team will advance to Round 2. In Round 2, there would be two groups of 6. The top three teams from each group, plus the next-highest-placed team across both groups, will qualify for Super 7. The top four teams from Super 7 will make it to the semis.