India and Pakistan to face each other three times? ICC's new WC format explained
The ICC has introduced a new format for the 2027 ODI World Cup that expands the tournament to 14 teams but includes a preliminary 'Super Series' for lower-ranked nations. This structure increases the likelihood of multiple India-Pakistan matches, drawing both excitement and criticism regarding competitive inclusivity.
Why it matters
The format change reflects the tension between maximizing commercial revenue through high-profile rivalries and maintaining the competitive integrity of global sports.
The International Cricket Council's (ICC) revamped format for the 2027 ODI World Cup has not only increased the possibility of India and Pakistan facing each other three times during the tournament, but it has also reignited criticism over how inclusive cricket's biggest event really is. At a time when major global sporting events are expanding opportunities for more nations, the ICC has opted for a format that, despite officially increasing the ODI World Cup from 10 to 14 teams, effectively limits meaningful participation for lower-ranked sides. The new structure requires the three lowest-ranked qualified teams to fight for a single place in the main competition, meaning only one of them progresses while the other two are eliminated before the tournament reaches its principal stages.
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