The International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to revamp the Men's ODI World Cup format for 2027 has drawn sharp criticism from several international captains and players, who feel the changes will reduce opportunities for emerging cricketing nations.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards labeled the new format, which includes a Super Series for the three lowest-ranked qualified teams with only one advancing to the main 12-team stage, as 'incredibly disappointing.' He argued that the game should be expanding global opportunities, not contracting them.
'Qualifying for an ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it's incredibly disappointing,' Edwards stated. 'The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world. Those opportunities are what helps countries improve and inspires the next generation of players. If we're serious about making cricket a global sport, we should be creating more opportunities on the global stage, not less.'
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus echoed these sentiments, explaining that for many Associate players, the ODI World Cup represents their primary long-form competition and a career-defining aspiration. 'For players in many countries, an ODI World Cup isn't just another tournament, it's our long form and something careers are built around and generations of players aspire to,' Erasmus said. 'We all accept that you have to earn the right to be there, but we also want qualification to provide a real opportunity to compete on the biggest stage. This follows a long history of limited opportunity at associate level.'
Ireland captain Paul Stirling highlighted how Associate nations have consistently demonstrated their ability to add value and interest to global events, drawing parallels with football's World Cup. 'The smaller and associate countries have consistently proven to add value and interest at global events. The football World Cup we've just witnessed is testament to that in other sports and it would be great to see cricket take a similar approach to maximise opportunities for the game.'
Scotland skipper Richie Berrington urged administrators to engage players more directly in significant decision-making processes. 'Players don't expect to make every decision, but we should be meaningfully consulted on decisions that have significant impacts on the game and on players' careers,' Berrington commented. 'Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought to the table, and we're urging the game to start doing that properly.'
New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell also voiced support for equitable access, stating, 'We are fully supportive of players and countries around the world being provided with consistent and fair opportunities to reach and compete on the game's biggest platforms.'
The reactions came through the World Cricketers' Association (WCA) after the ICC approved a revamped 2027 ODI World Cup format, introducing a Super Series featuring the three lowest-ranked qualified teams, with only one progressing to the 12-team main stage before the tournament moves into a Super 7 phase.
