International Cricket Council revamps formats for men's World Cups
The International Cricket Council has announced structural changes to the 2027 World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup to increase competitive intensity. These changes include new preliminary rounds and expanded playoff formats to improve the tournament experience.
Why it matters
These format changes represent a significant shift in how major international cricket tournaments are structured to maximize engagement and competitive balance.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The International Cricket Council has changed the competition formats of two major men's tournaments, adding a preliminary round before the group stage of the 2027 World Cup and revamping the playoffs for the Twenty20 World Cup in 2028.
"The changes were introduced to create more meaningful contests, elevate competitive standards, strengthen the competitive structure of both events, and enhance the tournament experience for athletes and fans," cricket 's international governing body said in the wake of weekend board meetings.
The traditional World Cup — which features one-day international games — is usually staged once every four years. Australia is the defending champion after beating India in the final at Ahmedabad in a 10-team tournament in 2023.
Next year's edition will involve 14 teams and be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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