Scotland, Netherlands criticise ICC’s World Cup format changes
Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have criticized the ICC for changing the 2027 ODI World Cup format on short notice. The boards argue that the new tri-series qualification phase unfairly limits opportunities for emerging cricket nations.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between established cricket powers and associate members regarding the global growth of the sport.
Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for changing the format of the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup less than 18 months before the tournament.
The ICC introduced a new Super Series phase under which the teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th in the qualification process will contest a tri-series, with only one progressing to the second round, where 12 teams will be split into two groups.
The two Associate Member boards described the lack of communication as "disappointing and disrespectful".
"These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game," they said in a joint statement on Monday.
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