Cricket’s governing body shifts the goalposts for the usual reasons
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has faced criticism for its shifting format policies regarding the 2027 World Cup. Critics argue that the governing body prioritizes financial gain over the development of the sport and the inclusion of lower-ranked teams.
Why it matters
Changes to global sporting tournament structures often impact the competitive integrity and financial accessibility of international sports.
The irony of international cricket is that while the motivation for lower-ranked teams is to improve by playing against top teams, that of two of the stakeholders, television and the International Cricket Council, is money. The interests of the sport therefore often take a backseat.
The last 50-over World Cup (in 2023) had only 10 teams, and was criticised for this. Fine, said the International Cricket Council, we will have 14 in 2027. The teams will be divided into two groups playing round robin thus guaranteeing the Associate members (those who are not Test-playing) at least six matches each.
ALSO WATCH 2027 World Cup: What’s the new format and why has ICC changed it?
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